The Rape of Europa 1635 - 1640

Cornelis Schut’s 17th-century drawing, *The Rape of Europa,* depicts the Greek myth of Zeus’ abduction of Europa in the form of a white bull. The drawing is a preparatory study for a larger painting, and Schut’s loose, expressive lines capture the dynamism of the scene. The figures are depicted in a highly stylized manner, with exaggerated gestures and poses, characteristic of the Baroque style. The composition is dramatic and theatrical, with a sense of movement and energy, emphasizing the power of the bull. The drawing is an excellent example of Schut’s skill as a draftsman and his ability to convey the narrative of a myth through the expressive use of line.