The Rape of Europa, 1818 (oil on canvas)

Europa is in white, on the bull, centre, looking profile left towards the receding shore. At her feet Nereids are swimming and at right are Tritons. Above is Jove's eagle. According to a translated version in to English of Ovid's Metamorphoses: "In flow'ry wreaths the royal virgin dress'd His bending horns, and kindly clapt his breast, Till now grown wanton, and devoid of fear, Not knowing that she press' the Thunderer, She placed herself upon his back, and rode O'r fields and meadows, seated on the God. He gently march' along, and by degrees Left the dry meadows and approach' the seas, Where now he dips his hoofs, and wets his thighs, Now plunges in, and carried off the prize. The frighted Nymph looks backward on the shore And hears the trembling billows round her roar; And still she holds him fast .. Her train of ruffling garments flies behind, Swells in the air, and hovers in the wind."