Rape of Europa, follower of Francesco Albani

The Rape of Europa Oil on panel 44 x 53 cm. with gilded wooden frame (19th century) 61 x 71 cm. Full details of the work (click HERE) The proposed work depicts an episode from Greek mythology that tells of one of Jupiter's many love affairs: the Rape 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 is a work attributable to an artist adhering to the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660), active in his circle of followers between the 17th and 18th centuries. A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani, along with Domenichino and Guido Reni, is considered among the leading exponents of Bolognese classicism, highly sought after by the educated clientele of the time. Thanks to a style characterized by idyllic compositions, thus pleasing to the more intimate taste of the patrons, the main production of Albani's workshop is therefore found in his mythological paintings. Going into detail about the panel, we see depicted the agitated moment when Zeus abducts the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa, after transforming himself into a beautiful white bull, fleeing towards the island of Crete. The maiden, dressed in a long, deep blue robe, is overwhelmed by the event and turns her gaze towards her handmaidens still on the shore. She holds onto the bull's horns as it rushes impetuously through the agitated sea waves, while four fluttering putti assist the cunning Zeus in his endeavor: one supports the princess, another holds the reins of flowers, and yet another holds up a fluttering red drapery, a common motif used by Albani to emphasize movement. The composition, in particular, draws inspiration, albeit with variations, from the Rape of Europa preserved 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 derived precisely from the Uffizi version, as the canvas remained in Albani's workshop for a long time, including those in the Roman collection of Marquis Patrizio Patrizi, and the versions in the Louvre and the Colonna gallery in Rome. These compositions met with enormous critical success and were extraordinarily praised by European collectors for their aesthetic and decorative value. In our case, the canvas is accompanied by a pleasant 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconography sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian clients, an export permit will be required, which takes approximately 10/20 days; our gallery will handle the entire process until its obtainment. All costs for this procedure are included. It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/