The Rape of Europe 1659 - 1717

Nicolas Colombel painted "The Rape of Europe", using oil on canvas, in the late 17th or early 18th century. Colombel, as a French painter, was influenced by classical mythology, which provided a rich source of subjects during his time. In this depiction of a well-known myth we see Europa abducted by Zeus in the guise of a bull. It's impossible to ignore the violence inherent in the story, especially considering the title "The Rape of Europe," yet the painting focuses on cherubic figures and the seemingly calm face of Europa. This juxtaposition can be viewed through the lens of power and gender. Europa’s abduction marks the beginning of a lineage and the naming of a continent. It underscores themes of forced migration, and the imposition of power over place. The painting invites us to reflect on the complexities of historical narratives. What stories do we choose to tell and how do we frame them? How do these tellings reflect the values and power structures of the societies from which they emerge?