The Rape of Europa 1624 - 1663

"The Rape of Europa" is a pen drawing by Francesco Allegrini, an Italian artist born in 1615 and who died in 1679, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This drawing depicts the myth of Europa being abducted by Zeus who disguises himself as a bull. Allegrini's drawing captures the moment of abduction as Europa clings to the bull's back, with a dramatic landscape as a backdrop. The drawing is a fine example of Allegrini's skill in depicting movement and emotion in his work. The delicate lines and subtle shading used by the artist contribute to a sense of grace and beauty. This drawing is a valuable study for later larger paintings of the same subject.