De Evropa Cretensivm Regina · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: De Evropa Cretensivm Regina
Subject: Europa; Jupiter; Famous Women; Bulls; Ships; Rape
Period: 1500-1550;
Geographic: Crete
Description: Europa was seized and taken to Crete in the ship shown in the background of the image. The emblem on the ships’ sail is a bull. Jupiter, a Cretan that was in love with Europa, decided to kidnap her and turn himself into a bull so he could swim to Crete with Europa. This is where she was raped by Jupiter. In the photo she can be seen pregnant, shaking hands with the Lord of Crete. Five bulls are seen beside Europa, representative of the animal that is associated with her.
Image Creator: Jakob Kallenberg (Engraver)
Type: Text; Woodcut engraving
Identifier: mta:18515
Language: lat
Source Name: Ioannis Boccatii de Certaldo Insigne Opvs de Claris Mulieribus
Parent Collection: 1539 Apiarius
Image: mta_18515_OBJ.png