The Rape of Europe
1625/32 | Hendrick van Balen
The Rape of Europa is related in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Jupiter, disguised as a handsome white bull, wins the trust of Europa, the daughter of King Agenor. She agrees to climb upon his back, only to be born against her will across the sea to Crete. Here van Balen collaborated with Jan Bruegel the Younger, who painted the flowers and the background. The handling of both female bodies and cherubs documents van Balen’s admiration for the art of Pieter Paul Rubens.
The Rape of Europa is related in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Jupiter, disguised as a handsome white bull, wins the trust of Europa, the daughter of King Agenor. She agrees to climb upon his back, only to be born against her will across the sea to Crete. Here van Balen collaborated with Jan Bruegel the Younger, who painted the flowers and the background. The handling of both female bodies and cherubs documents van Balen’s admiration for the art of Pieter Paul Rubens.
Artist:
Hendrick van Balen (1575 - 1632 Antwerpen) DNB
Time:
1625/32
Object Name
Painting
Culture
Flemish
Material/technology:
oak wood
Dimensions:
Overall: 42 cm × 63 cm
Framed (gallery frame): 57 cm × 77 cm × 5,5 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Gemäldegalerie
Invs.
Gemäldegalerie, 814
Provenance
Coll. Leopold Wilhelm; 1747 in Vienna in the treasury; 1783 documented in the gallery;
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