Titian, Rape of Europa, 1562

I am confused, amazed, and confused. I know the rape of Europa. I know that Jupiter falls in love with her and takes her away from her family and home and brings her to Crete to have his way with her. I know that he does all of this in the form of a white bull, and I know that this sexual act, like most sexual acts form gods, had a purpose. In this case, the rape of Europa was to raise Europe. She would give birth to Minos after this consummation, and he would begin to build Europe. So yes, I know the story. But, what amazes me about this piece is how fearless Titian portrays some dangerous emotions in this saddening scene, or what I thought was supposed to be a saddening scene.

The opposition and contrast of all of these emotions pull me in every direction. From the sky clearing at one end to the dangers of a storm in another, to Europa's fear and sexuality in her body language. I cannot tell whether or not Titian enjoys or hates this, whether he is condoning Jupiter, or damning him for kidnapping Europa. She clearly has some fear, fear for falling into the dark ocean beneath her and of her attacker, but her position and glance towards the cupids suggest her excitement as well. Titian paints her with her clothing barley draped over her body and clinging on to Jupiter because it is what she must do to not fall to another fate. She accepts and appears ready to meet her other fate with Jupiter in Crete.

Titian's colors suggest warmth and darkness. They bring light and happiness with the brightness of the sky, and the background matched with the red in her clothing flows away from her. The darkness that they travel towards matches the deep colors of the ocean. All of this contrast makes this piece so interesting for Titian to paint for Philip II. In Spain, Phillip II had many religious and mythological paintings from Titian. He used Titian's mastery to help illuminate his own masculinity and image. The Rape of Europa perfectly illustrates this with the masculinity of the white bull taking control of the scene and Europa. Though I am a little confused about Titian's feelings towards this event, I do love this piece and all of the levels Titian brings to it by contradicting famous stories and bringing new light to them.