The Rape of Europa
by JORDAENS, Jacob, Oil on canvas, 173 x 236 cm
Jacob Jordaens became an independent master in Antwerp in 1615. After 1615 he painted many large pictures with figures of monumental stature. They include mythological and allegorical scenes, such as the present painting. The subject and the narrative content of these kind of paintings make it plain that they were intended for the open market and for burgher homes in Antwerp. These large works are also remarkable for their Mannerist appearance.