Abduction of Europa, Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 – 1660) Follower of

Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 – 1660) Follower of
The Abduction of Europa

Oil on the table

44 cm x 53 cm.
with gilded wooden frame (19th century) 61 x 71 cm.

Full details of the work (click HERE)

The proposed work stages an episode taken from Greek mythology and which recounts one of Jupiter's numerous amorous adventures: it is the abduction of Europa, daughter of the king of Tyre, a city of Phoenicia, as described by the Latin poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses (Metamorphoses II, vv. 846-875).

This is a work attributable to an author adhering to the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 – 1660), active among his followers between the 600th and 700th centuries.

A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani is considered, along with Domenichino and Guido Reni, among the leading exponents of Bolognese classicism, highly sought after by the cultured patrons of the time. Thanks to a style characterized by idyllic compositions, which were therefore pleasing to the most intimate tastes of his patrons, the main output of Albani's workshop is found in mythological paintings.

Looking more closely at the panel, we see the frantic moment when Zeus kidnaps the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa, having transformed himself into a handsome white bull and fled to the island of Crete. The girl, dressed in a long, deep blue robe, is overwhelmed by the event and turns her gaze to her maids still on the shore.

She holds on to the horns of the bull, which is rushing with great force through the rough waves of the sea, while four fluttering cherubs help the cunning Zeus in his enterprise: one supports the princess, another holds the reins of flowers, and yet another holds a fluttering red cloth, a device often used by Albani to emphasize movement.

The composition, in particular, draws inspiration, albeit with variations, from the Rape of Europa, preserved in 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 taken from the Uffizi version, given that the canvas remained in Albani's workshop for a long time, including the one in the Roman collection of the Marquis Patrizio Patrizi, and the versions in the Louvre and the Colonna Gallery in Rome.

These compositions enjoyed enormous critical acclaim and were highly praised by European collectors for their aesthetic and decorative value. In our case, the canvas is accompanied by a pleasing 19th-century carved and gilded wooden frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of 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 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/