Ontvoering van Europa 1743

Jean-Michel Liotard's 1743 etching "Ontvoering van Europa" (Abduction of Europa) depicts the Greek myth of Zeus disguising himself as a bull to abduct Europa, a Phoenician princess. Liotard's detailed depiction of the scene shows Europa being carried away on the bull's back while a group of figures, including winged Cupids, react in awe. The engraving's intricate detail and use of light and shadow highlight the dynamism of the scene, capturing the dramatic moment of Europa's abduction. The inclusion of a distant cityscape in the background adds a sense of grandeur to the composition, highlighting the importance of the story within a broader historical context.