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REMBRANDT - THE ABDUCTION OF EUROPA
Rembrandt, Public
domain, via
Wikimedia Commons.
The Abduction of Europa (1632) |
- Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's
The Abduction of Europa (1632) is one of his rare mythological subject paintings.
- The work is oil on a single oak panel and now located in
the J. Paul Getty Museum.
- The inspiration for the painting is Ovid's Metamorphoses, part of which tells the tale of Zeus's seduction and capture of Europa.
- The painting shows a coastal scene with Europa being carried away through the water by a bull while her friends remain on shore with expressions of horror.
- Rembrandt combined his knowledge of classical literature with the interests of the patron in order to create this allegorical work.
- The use of an ancient myth to impart a contemporary thought and his portrayal of the scene using the High Baroque style are two strong aspects of the work.
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Rembrandt developed an interest in the classical world
early in his life while in Amsterdam which was a growing business-oriented center, and where he found work with great success. During this time, the international High Baroque style was popular. Rembrandt did not complete many mythological subject paintings.
(Wikipedia)
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