The Rape of Europa

About this work

This print shows a chaotic scene with a woman riding a charging bull. Around them, waves crash, people scramble on the shore, and a city burns in the background. The woman holds a veil, while a man on the beach waves his arms. The sky is dark and stormy, with a bird flying overhead. The artist packed a lot into the small space, using sharp lines to show movement and drama. The Latin text below names the story—it’s about a myth where Zeus tricks Europa by turning into a bull. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal.