The Abduction Of Europa, Francesco Albani (bologna 1578–1660) Follower Of
Artist: Francesco Albani (bologne 1578 - 1660) Suiveur De
Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660) Follower of
The Abduction (or Rape) of Europa
Oil on panel
44 x 53 cm.
with gilded wooden frame (19th century) 61 x 71 cm.
Complete details of the work (click HERE)
This work depicts an episode from Greek mythology recounting one of Jupiter’s many amorous adventures: specifically, the Abduction of Europa, daughter of the king of Tyre, a city in Phoenicia, as described by the Latin poet Ovid in his *Metamorphoses* (Met. II, lines 846–875).
This work is attributed to an artist who adhered to the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660), active among his followers between the 17th and 18th centuries.
A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani is considered, along with Domenichino and Guido Reni, one of the leading exponents of Bolognese classicism, which was in high demand among the cultured patrons of the time. Thanks to a style characterized by idyllic compositions—and thus appealing to the most intimate tastes of his patrons—the bulk of the Albani workshop’s output consists of mythological paintings.
Looking more closely at the panel, we see depicted the dramatic moment when Zeus abducts the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa—after transforming himself into a magnificent white bull—as he flees toward the island of Crete. The young woman, dressed in a long, deep blue gown, is overwhelmed by the event and turns her gaze toward her maidservants still on the shore.
She clings to the bull’s horns as he charges with great fervor through the churning waves of the sea, while four fluttering cherubs assist the cunning Zeus in his feat: one supports the princess, another holds the floral reins, and yet another holds up a fluttering red drape—a device often used by Albani to emphasize movement.
The composition, in particular, draws inspiration—albeit with variations—from The Rape of Europa housed in the Uffizi Gallery, which Albani painted in 1639 for Count Angelo Oddi of Perugia (https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rape_of_Europa_-_Francesco_Albani.jpg).
Many versions were based on the Uffizi version, as the canvas remained in Albani’s workshop for a long time; among these are the one in the Roman collection of Marquis Patrizio Patrizi, as well as the versions in the Louvre and the Colonna Gallery in Rome.
These compositions enjoyed enormous critical acclaim and were highly praised by European collectors for their aesthetic and decorative value. In this case, the painting is framed in a lovely 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frame.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organize the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, using professional, insured carriers.
If the artwork is purchased by non-Italian customers, an export permit will be required, which takes approximately 10–20 days to process; our gallery will handle the entire process until the permit is obtained. All costs associated with this procedure are included.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of artworks.
Please feel free to contact us, with no obligation, for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
The Abduction (or Rape) of Europa
Oil on panel
44 x 53 cm.
with gilded wooden frame (19th century) 61 x 71 cm.
Complete details of the work (click HERE)
This work depicts an episode from Greek mythology recounting one of Jupiter’s many amorous adventures: specifically, the Abduction of Europa, daughter of the king of Tyre, a city in Phoenicia, as described by the Latin poet Ovid in his *Metamorphoses* (Met. II, lines 846–875).
This work is attributed to an artist who adhered to the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese painter Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578–1660), active among his followers between the 17th and 18th centuries.
A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani is considered, along with Domenichino and Guido Reni, one of the leading exponents of Bolognese classicism, which was in high demand among the cultured patrons of the time. Thanks to a style characterized by idyllic compositions—and thus appealing to the most intimate tastes of his patrons—the bulk of the Albani workshop’s output consists of mythological paintings.
Looking more closely at the panel, we see depicted the dramatic moment when Zeus abducts the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa—after transforming himself into a magnificent white bull—as he flees toward the island of Crete. The young woman, dressed in a long, deep blue gown, is overwhelmed by the event and turns her gaze toward her maidservants still on the shore.
She clings to the bull’s horns as he charges with great fervor through the churning waves of the sea, while four fluttering cherubs assist the cunning Zeus in his feat: one supports the princess, another holds the floral reins, and yet another holds up a fluttering red drape—a device often used by Albani to emphasize movement.
The composition, in particular, draws inspiration—albeit with variations—from The Rape of Europa housed in the Uffizi Gallery, which Albani painted in 1639 for Count Angelo Oddi of Perugia (https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rape_of_Europa_-_Francesco_Albani.jpg).
Many versions were based on the Uffizi version, as the canvas remained in Albani’s workshop for a long time; among these are the one in the Roman collection of Marquis Patrizio Patrizi, as well as the versions in the Louvre and the Colonna Gallery in Rome.
These compositions enjoyed enormous critical acclaim and were highly praised by European collectors for their aesthetic and decorative value. In this case, the painting is framed in a lovely 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frame.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organize the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, using professional, insured carriers.
If the artwork is purchased by non-Italian customers, an export permit will be required, which takes approximately 10–20 days to process; our gallery will handle the entire process until the permit is obtained. All costs associated with this procedure are included.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of artworks.
Please feel free to contact us, with no obligation, for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
4 800 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting on wood
Width: encadré 71 cm.
Height: encadré 71 cm.
Reference (ID): 1825504
Availability: In stock
Print
