French school, XIX century.

French school, XIX century.
"The Rape of Europe".
Bronze on marble base.
Measurements: 34 x 30 cm x 23 cm.

The work captures the moment when the god Zeus, transformed into a tame white bull, seduces the Phoenician princess Europa. In this representation, Europa appears seated on the back of the animal, holding a veil that waves in the wind, a classic resource to denote movement and dynamism. The treatment of the drapery (wet cloths) and the delicacy of Europa's features are characteristic of 19th century French academicism, which looked to Baroque and Rococo models to create elegant and decorative scenes. The bull is not shown as a wild beast, but with a crown of flowers on his forehead, underlining the amorous deception and the initial gentleness that allows the abduction.