Europa c. 1570

This anonymous engraving from around 1570, titled "Europa," depicts the abduction of Europa by Zeus. The composition shows Europa riding on the back of a bull, with Zeus disguised as the animal. The scene is set against a mountainous landscape, and in the background, a cityscape can be seen. This etching is an excellent example of a Renaissance-era interpretation of classical mythology, and its detailed, intricate style showcases the flourishing of printmaking techniques in this period. The work is housed at the Rijksmuseum, where it provides insight into the artistic trends and cultural influences of the time.