The Rape of Europa, 1655
The Rape of Europa, 1655
Oil on Canvas
Location: Pushkin Museum, Moscow, Russia
Claude created one engraving, five paintings, and seven known drawings based on the story of the rape of Europa. The first piece was created in 1634. All works portrayed the peaceful beginning of the story but not the violent abduction occurring later. This piece [on left] is the final product of the work commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. Many versions of The Rape of Europa were painted throughout Claude's life, including the most popular version finished in 1667 and residing in the Royal Collection of Buckingham Palace, London. Its size and content is mostly a repetition of the 1655 painting, with small details differing, such as the positions of figures, the treatment of space, and the horizon line. The 1667 version was purchased for King George IV in 1829 and was thought to be the piece commissioned by Pope Alexander the VII until the Yusupov collection was discovered.
Oil on Canvas
Location: Pushkin Museum, Moscow, Russia
Claude created one engraving, five paintings, and seven known drawings based on the story of the rape of Europa. The first piece was created in 1634. All works portrayed the peaceful beginning of the story but not the violent abduction occurring later. This piece [on left] is the final product of the work commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. Many versions of The Rape of Europa were painted throughout Claude's life, including the most popular version finished in 1667 and residing in the Royal Collection of Buckingham Palace, London. Its size and content is mostly a repetition of the 1655 painting, with small details differing, such as the positions of figures, the treatment of space, and the horizon line. The 1667 version was purchased for King George IV in 1829 and was thought to be the piece commissioned by Pope Alexander the VII until the Yusupov collection was discovered.
The Rape of Europa, 1634
The Rape of Europa, 1634
Etching on ivory laid paper
Location: Hermitage, St. Petersburg (Clarence Buckingham Collection)
This is the first of many etchings,drawings, and paintings Claude construed before delivering his final product to Pope Alexander VII in 1655.
Etching on ivory laid paper
Location: Hermitage, St. Petersburg (Clarence Buckingham Collection)
This is the first of many etchings,drawings, and paintings Claude construed before delivering his final product to Pope Alexander VII in 1655.
Louis XIV's The Rape of Europa
The Rape of Europa, circa 1647
Brown ink, brown wash, gray wash on beige paper with white highlights
Location: Paris, France (Louvre)
In 1761, this preliminary drawing of Claude's masterpiece The Rape of Europa was sold by Everhard Jabach to the Cabinet du Roi (cabinet of the king). It is the only of Claude's drawings owned by Louis XIV before the artist's death.
The Rape of Europa, 1667
The Rape of Europa, 1667
Oil on Canvas
Location: London, United Kingdom (Royal Collection at Windsor Castle)
This last and most sophisticated painting in the series was acquired by George IV in May of 1829 for £2,100 and has since remained in the care of the Royal Collection.
Oil on Canvas
Location: London, United Kingdom (Royal Collection at Windsor Castle)
This last and most sophisticated painting in the series was acquired by George IV in May of 1829 for £2,100 and has since remained in the care of the Royal Collection.