3-035-476 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Coast View with the Abduction of Europa, (1645?). The maiden Europa rests atop a white bull, unaware it is the god Jupiter in disguise. According to the tale in Ovid's <em>Metamorphoses</em>, soon the animal will abduct her across the waves. Until then, she and her attendants festoon the seemingly innocent beast with flowers, while her blue drapery flutters in the breeze. In the upper right corner, a hazy poetic light illuminates her home city of Tyre, further evoking an idyllic antique world.