The Rape of Europa 

Giovanni Battista Palumba created this print, “The Rape of Europa,” during the Italian Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Palumba depicts a scene from Greek mythology, where Europa is abducted by Zeus, disguised as a bull. During the Renaissance, classical myths were often reinterpreted through a Christian lens, meaning Europa's abduction was sometimes seen as an allegory for the soul's journey toward salvation. The title, however, is deeply troubling, as it uses the term 'rape,' which is not only a violent act but also a reflection of power dynamics. The vulnerability of Europa, combined with Zeus's deceptive power, provokes contemplation about issues of consent, coercion, and the representation of women in historical narratives. It asks us to consider the myths we inherit and the values they perpetuate.