Kustgezicht met roof van Europa Possibly 1776

Richard Earlom created this print, ‘Coastal Scene with the Abduction of Europa,’ sometime before 1822, using etching and engraving techniques. Earlom’s print revisits the classical myth of Europa, a Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus in the guise of a bull. Notice the scene's composition, divided into three horizontal bands. At the top, sailing ships suggest maritime trade and exploration – industries often intertwined with colonialism and the exploitation of resources. The middle ground is populated by grazing cattle, a subtle reminder of pastoral ideals, and a sharp contrast to the very real violence inflicted on both human and animal bodies throughout history. In the foreground, we see Europa, surrounded by female companions. Are they complicit, or are they also victims in this narrative of power and subjugation? Consider how Earlom's print, while seemingly celebrating classical myth, is deeply embedded in the socio-political context of its time. The print serves not only as a retelling of a classical myth but also as a reflection of contemporary attitudes towards trade, ownership, and power.