L’enlévement d’Europe, allegory in the style of the woodwork in Marie-Antoinette’s silver boudoir at the Château de Fontainebleau. These woodwork paintings were themselves inspired by Pompeian frescoes.
Unsigned oil on canvas framed under glass from the 19th century.
Later gilded frame.
Note : wear to canvas visible in photos.

Two other allegories of the same provenance are also available on our gallery.

Legend has it that Europa, a Phoenician princess and daughter of Agénor king of Tyre, was walking by the sea one day with her companions, when Zeus noticed her. Inflamed by her beauty, he transformed himself into a bull with horns like a crescent moon, and came to lie at the girl’s feet. Frightened at first, she emboldened herself, caressed the animal and sat on its back. Immediately, the bull got up and dashed towards the sea. Despite Europe’s cries, clinging to his horns, the bull entered the waves and moved away from the shore. The two made their way to Crete, where Zeus united with the young girl. Three sons were born of this love affair: Minos, Sarpedon and Rhadamante.

Dimensions with frame : 81 cm x 48 cm
Dimensions of canvas : 67 cm x 33 cm

Possibility of shipment: France / International
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