The Rape of Europa — Nicolaas Verkolje

Nicolaas Verkolje. Painted c. 1735 - c. 1740.

Zeus, the king of the gods, has disguised himself as a bull in order to seduce the chaste maiden Europa. To their right Cupid stands ready to shoot his arrows of love. In depicting this story from the Metamorphoses, the famous book by the Roman poet Ovid, Verkolje demonstrates his knowledge of Classical literature. Moreover, he proves his artistic virtuosity by means of the complex composition with numerous figures.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in Amsterdam canal room 1748 / Painting, 18th Century, Main building.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 72.8 × 57.7 cm · Purchased with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt, with additional funding from the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds

Print: 72.8 × 57.7 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200416106. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.