Bull-leaping, from the palace at Knossos, Crete, Greece. 1450 - 1400 BCE. Minoan. one of the earlies

Bull-leaping, from the palace at Knossos, Crete, Greece. 1450 - 1400 BCE. Minoan.

• one of the earliest known frescos in Greece. measures 2’ 8" higher, including border
• depicts man leaping onto the bull with two women on either side. the women are painted white, and the man has dark skin. women participating.
• from the minotaur, bulls are perhaps a very sacred animal and a central theme in minoan society. 
• dark batches are the original portions of the fresco; the rest has been restored. 
• elongated and stylized bodies. pinched waist, large eyes, curled hair, and prominent profile. 
• more natural appearance, but not a composite view (like egyptian style)
• don’t know if this is a sport or religious ritual; there is a mythical story about dancing with the great bull, perhaps connected