“The Rape of Europa” is a mythological painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, created around 1720 to 1722. Executed in oil on canvas, this artwork measures 99 x 134 cm and belongs to the Rococo art movement.
The artwork depicts the classical myth of the abduction of Europa by Zeus, who has transformed into a majestic bull. The scene is imbued with dynamic movement and restrained elegance, characteristic of Tiepolo’s style. The composition is vibrant with rich colors and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Cherubs float in the upper part of the scene, adding an ethereal quality, while figures on the ground are caught in various postures of surprise and distress. The background features a sweeping landscape, contributing to the grandeur and emotive intensity of the narrative.
