Leda and the Swan in Greek Mythology: Roman Statue and Its Origins, 1st century A.D.

In Greek mythology, Leda, queen of Sparta, captivated Zeus, the king of gods, who often assumed animal forms to seduce mortals. This tale depicts Zeus as a swan, embraced by Leda as she shields him under her cloak. Discovered in Rome in 1775, this first-century Roman statue is a rendition of a Greek original attributed to Timotheos from the 300s B.C. Over two dozen examples of this statue survive, showcasing its popularity among Romans. Timotheos's style is evident in the contrasting drapery on Leda's torso and legs, balancing concealment and revelation of the female form, typical of 4th-century B.C. sculpture.