ABSTRACT
The myth of Europa has been popularized both by Greek and Roman works of art, such as temple metopes, vase paintings, frescoes from Pompeii, mosaics, medallions and coins, and by the great paintings of the Renaissance, such as Veronese's Rape of Europa. Europa is sometimes referred to as the granddaughter of Neptune, in accordance with the version of the myth that portrays her as the daughter of Agenor, where Zeus describes Europa as the famous daughter of Phoenix. In fact, the story of Zeus's sudden passion for Europa is among the most ancient of legends. Finally, in the wake of Alexandrianism, the story of the love of Jupiter and Europa was frequently evoked by writers of the golden age of Roman poetry. Thus, Europa is described as fleeing the sweet land of Hellas as the bull carries her off into the sea.
