The Rape Of Europa, Francesco Albani (bologna 1578 - 1660) Circle Of

Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660) Circle of 

The Rape of Europa  

oil on canvas  46 x 63 cm. with gilded wooden frame (19th century) 70 x 85 cm.  

FULL DETAILS OF THE ARTWORK (CLICK HERE)  

This elegant work depicts, through a composition of great dynamic effect, an episode from Greek mythology that tells of one of Jupiter's many amorous adventures; it is 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, vv. 846-875).  

This work can be attributed to an artist who followed the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660), presumably active within his close circle in the 17th century or at the latest in the early years of the following century.  A pupil of Annibale Carracci, Albani is considered, together with Domenichino and Guido Reni, to be one of the major exponents of Bolognese classicism, extremely sought after by the cultured clientele of the time. 

Thanks to a style characterised by idyllic compositions, and therefore pleasing to the more intimate taste of his clients, the majority of the work produced by Albani's workshop is to be found in the field of mythological paintings.  Looking at the canvas in detail, we see the agitated moment when Zeus, having transformed himself into a bull, kidnaps the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa as he flees towards the island of Crete. The girl, dressed in a long deep blue robe, is overwhelmed by the event and looks towards her handmaidens still on the shore.  

She is holding on to the horns of the bull, which is running with great force and passion through the rough waves of the sea, while four fluttering cherubs help the cunning Zeus in his endeavour: one is supporting the princess, another is holding the reins of flowers and the last is holding up a fluttering red cloth, a habit often used by Albani to emphasise movement.  

The composition, in particular, draws inspiration, albeit with variations, from the Rape of Europa kept at the Uffizi Gallery, created by Albani 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, given that the canvas remained in Albani's workshop for a long time. These include the one in the Roman collection of the Marquis Patrizio Patrizi, and also the versions in the Louvre and the Colonna Gallery in Rome.  

These compositions were extremely well received by critics and were highly praised by European collectors for their aesthetic and decorative value. In our case, the canvas is accompanied by a beautiful 19th century carved and gilded wooden frame.   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic description.  

We organise and take care of the shipment of the purchased works, through professional and insured carriers, both in Italy and abroad.  

In the case of a work being purchased by a non-Italian client, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes approximately 10-20 days. Our gallery will take care of the entire process until the permit is obtained. All costs for this procedure are included.  

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you and show you our collection of works.  

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