The Abduction of Europa
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
Grotesque Ceiling DecorationChrist Carrying His CrossSaint Michael the ArchangelGrotesque Fantasy with BeastsEmperor HadrianArchangel MichaelApollo and DaphneAngel with the SudariumPsyche Awakens CupidThe Battle of ZamaThe Abduction of EuropaPerseus Beheads the Sea MonsterPsyche and the Old WomanMausoleum of HadrianPanoramic View from Castel Sant’AngeloChrist in LimboThe Miracle of the AngelThe BathMythological Ceiling with Stucco ReliefLamentation over the Dead ChristTritons and Naiads in CombatMarine Deity with CornucopiaSt. Michael the ArchangelCeiling of the Sala PaolinaLeda and the SwanFestina LenteAquatic Satire with TurtlesBaboons with FruitView Toward the Altare della Patria from Castel Sant’AngeloArchangel Michael in BattlePerseus Slays the Sea MonsterPan and a NymphPerseus Approaches AndromedaSt. Michael and Grotesque MotifsRooftop Catapult and AmmunitionMarine Deities and Serpentine CreaturesThe Virgin and Blessing Child EnthronedMarine Procession of Tritons and NereidsMax at Castel Sant’Angelo TerraceCupid and PsycheNaumachia in the Belvedere CourtyardSea Procession with Tritons and NereidsEmbracing TritonsAllegory with ChimeraTritons and Sea CreaturesThe Miracle of the Angel

The Abduction of EuropaBonaccorsi Pietro (Perin del Vaga) and Domenico Rietti

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This fresco (1545–46) illustrates the myth of Europa, carried across the sea by Zeus in the form of a bull. Her raised arm and wreath signal grace amid abduction. The scene merges divine seduction and playful elegance, reflecting Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and human emotion.