Paris (France), c. 195 x 233 cm, 18th century. The increasing demand for interior decoration during the Baroque and Rococo periods led to a surge in the production of gobelins for the adornment of state rooms. Painted wall coverings offered an alternative to woven tapestries, since their coarse weaving structure afforded them a gobelin-like appearance whilst still being a more affordable solution for the embellishment of drawing rooms and salons.

Description of the picture: a mythological scene depicting the Rape of Europa. Europa and her helpers were on the beach of Sidon (Lebanon), when Zeus, disguised as a bull, approached them and obtained their confidence. Europa fed him, played with him and adorned his horns with flowers. She eventually got onto his back. The bull ran to the sea and swam, with her on his back, until they reached Crete, where he revealed himself to her as Zeus. According to the myth, three sons were born from this union, and the foreign continent would henceforth be called Europe. The painting consists of several linen parts and still displays a good colour condition, presents no significant damage, and is mounted on original linen on the back. (MA)

Further reading:
Trude Aldrian, Bemalte Wandbespannungen des XVIII. Jahrhunderts;
Günter Dietz, Europa und der Stier.