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Cup Bearer Collection

The role of a cup bearer has been depicted throughout history in various forms of art and literature

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Cup-Bearer Fresco In The South Propylon, The Minoan Palace Of Knossos, Knossos, Heraklion

Cup-Bearer Fresco In The South Propylon, The Minoan Palace Of Knossos, Knossos, Heraklion, Crete, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby, English nobleman, cup bearer to Anne Boleyn, 1509-1572

Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby, English nobleman, cup bearer to Anne Boleyn, 1509-1572
FLO4638473 Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby, English nobleman, cup bearer to Anne Boleyn, 1509-1572. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Francis Bartolozzi after Hans Holbein from Facsimiles of

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Head of Ganymede, mid 19th century (painted plastered ceramic)

Head of Ganymede, mid 19th century (painted plastered ceramic)
MCO102418 Head of Ganymede, mid 19th century (painted plastered ceramic); height: 27 cm; Magdalen College, Oxford, UK

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Joseph explains the dreams of the baker and the cupbearer, 1700-1799. Creator: Anon

Joseph explains the dreams of the baker and the cupbearer, 1700-1799. Creator: Anon
Joseph explains the dreams of the baker and the cupbearer, 1700-1799

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Nehemiah (engraving)

Nehemiah (engraving)
667472 Nehemiah (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nehemiah. Illustration for Old Testament Portraits by Cunningham Geikie (Strahan, 1878)

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: The Nimroud Sculptures lately received at the British Museum (engraving)

The Nimroud Sculptures lately received at the British Museum (engraving)
1617811 The Nimroud Sculptures lately received at the British Museum (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Skeleton of a cupbearer (mosaic)

Skeleton of a cupbearer (mosaic)
ALG218940 Skeleton of a cupbearer (mosaic) by Roman; Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples, Campania, Italy; out of copyright

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: A mythological figure

A mythological figure
BAL37770 A mythological figure by Mughal School; Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK; Indian, out of copyright

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Joseph in prison explaining the dreams of the chief baker and the chief butler

Joseph in prison explaining the dreams of the chief baker and the chief butler
REV326574 Joseph in prison explaining the dreams of the chief baker and the chief butler, illustration from a catechism L Histoire Sainte, published by Charles Delagrave, Paris

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Ganymede before Zeus, 1923 (ink & w / c)

Ganymede before Zeus, 1923 (ink & w / c)
aH285852 Ganymede before Zeus, 1923 (ink & w/c) by Hunt, Sidney (1896-1940); 25.4x17.8 cm; Private Collection; Abbott and Holder, London, UK; British, out of copyright

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Ganymede, late 19th century (oil on canvas)

Ganymede, late 19th century (oil on canvas)
2038101 Ganymede, late 19th century (oil on canvas) by Sully, Thomas (1783-1872); 45.7x35.6 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; American, out of copyright

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Figure, Iran or Central Asia, 12th century. Creator: Unknown

Figure, Iran or Central Asia, 12th century. Creator: Unknown
Figure, Iran or Central Asia, 12th century. Cup-bearer associated with kingship and investiture

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Man Holding a Bottle and a Cup, 16th-17th century. Creator: Unknown

Man Holding a Bottle and a Cup, 16th-17th century. Creator: Unknown
Man Holding a Bottle and a Cup, 16th-17th century

Background imageCup Bearer Collection: Officers Of The Table And Of The Chamber Of The Imperial Court Of Maximilian I

Officers Of The Table And Of The Chamber Of The Imperial Court Of Maximilian I. From Left Cup Bearer, Cook, Barber And Tailor


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The role of a cup bearer has been depicted throughout history in various forms of art and literature. From ancient frescoes to engravings, mosaics to oil paintings, this intriguing figure holds a significant place in cultural narratives. One notable representation can be found in the Cup-Bearer Fresco In The South Propylon, located within the Minoan Palace Of Knossos in Heraklion. This vibrant artwork showcases a cup bearer gracefully offering a vessel filled with liquid, symbolizing their duty to serve and please. In biblical tales such as Nehemiah's story, we encounter the importance of a cup bearer who safeguards the king's beverages from potential harm or poison. Their presence ensures trust and security within royal circles. Another captivating portrayal is seen in Ganymede before Zeus, an ink and watercolor piece from 1923. Here, Ganymede serves as Jupiter's personal cup bearer in Greek mythology. His youthful beauty captivates Zeus so much that he elevates him to divine status. Moving forward through time, A Portrait of Anne Josephe Bonnnier de la Mossau depicts her holding a delicate cup with elegance and grace. As Duchess of Chaulnes during the 18th century, she embodies the refined nature associated with being served by a dedicated cup bearer. Intriguingly enough, even skeletons have been discovered depicting individuals fulfilling this role. A mosaic featuring the skeleton of a cupbearer sheds light on how these figures were honored even after death. Across different cultures and eras like Iran or Central Asia during the 12th century or Europe during the 16th-17th centuries - Man Holding a Bottle and Cup - similar depictions emerge showcasing individuals carrying vessels for others' enjoyment. Lastly, an engraving from Triomphe De Maximilian I portrays officers at his imperial court including roles such as cook and barber alongside our esteemed figure –the cup bearer– highlighting their importance in the grandeur of courtly life.