The Abduction of Europa, Rembrandt
- Oil on linen canvas
- 100% hand-painted
- Painting reproduction
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| Author: | Rembrandt |
|---|---|
| Original Title: | De roof van Europa |
| Type: | Painting |
| Style: | Baroque |
| Medium | Oil |
| Support: | Canvas |
| Year: | 1632 |
| Subject: | Classical Mythology |
| Located: | J. Paul Getty Museum, California, USA |
Fictitious landscape with mythological characters, painted by Rembrandt in 1632.
Allegory in the manner of the Baroque, with elements of chiaroscuro, where the Greek character Europa, being abducted by Zeus on a white bull, is depicted.
Europa, daughter of the king of Phoenicia Agenor and Telephasa, was the favorite among her siblings. While enjoying an afternoon near the water, surrounded by a herd of bulls and cows, Zeus saw her and decided to seduce her by transforming into the most powerful and gentle bull she had ever known. Thus, he managed to approach her and abduct her, hiding her from everyone on the island of Crete. There, Europa became the first queen of the island, giving birth to three sons of Zeus: the famous king Minos, Radamantis, who was king of Crete before Minos, and Sarpedon.
Some experts in Rembrandt's art ensure that the city hinted at in the background of the painting corresponds to Amsterdam.
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