Ancient Greek and Roman Myths Notes

Europa – daughter of a king; Zeus saw her when she was playing with her companions on the beach at Sidon. He was filled with love for her beauty and transformed himself into a gorgeous bull. In this form he lay down at Europa’s feet. After she had overcome her fright, she caressed the bull and even sat upon its back. The bull immediately rose to his feet, made for the sea, and swam away. They reached Crete. Europa had three sons by Zeus: Minos, Sarpedon and Rhadamanthys.
See: François Boucher. Rape of Europa.
Jacob Jordaens. The Rape of Europe.
Valentin Serov The Rape of Europe.
Titian The Rape of Europa.
Paolo Veronese. The Rape of Europa.