The Abduction of Europa by Peter Paul Rubens

The Abduction of Europa 1630

peterpaulrubens

Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain

acrylic

abstract painting

charcoal drawing

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

mythology

painting painterly

animal drawing portrait

watercolor

"The Abduction of Europa" (1630) by Flemish Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens depicts the Greek myth of Europa, a Phoenician princess, being abducted by Zeus, disguised as a white bull, to Crete. The painting showcases Rubens' characteristic dynamic composition and energetic brushstrokes, evident in the swirling movement of the bull's form and the powerful figure of Europa as she is swept away. The addition of two cherubs, one shooting arrows to symbolize love and the other riding a sea monster, enhances the mythical narrative and imbues the work with a sense of divine intervention. The painting is housed in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.