The artist Helmut Lutz, from Breisach am Rhein, created this striking statue of a bronze bull seemingly bursting through the bricks of Cathedral Square in 2000. On the bull’s back, a nude woman stands reaching for a star.
Based on the Greek mythology story of Zeus abducting the Phoenician princess Europa in the form of a bull, the statue commemorates the 1950 early vote to form a united Europe.
The Myth
Europa and the Bull is a popular mythological story from Greek mythology. It tells the tale of Europa, a beautiful Phoenician princess, who was seduced and kidnapped by Zeus, the king of the gods, in the form of a bull. This myth has been depicted in various forms of art and literature throughout history and continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The story of Europa and the Bull begins with Europa catching the eye of Zeus. Unable to resist her beauty, Zeus transformed himself into a magnificent white bull and approached her. Intrigued, Europa was not afraid and even climbed onto the bull’s back. Taking advantage of her trust, Zeus swiftly carried her away to the island of Crete.
Once on Crete, Zeus revealed his true identity to Europa and seduced her. They eventually had three sons together, one of whom, Minos, became a famous king of Crete. Europa’s story is often associated with the birth of European civilization, as her son Minos established the ancient Minoan civilization on Crete.
The tale of Europa and the Bull has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some view it as a metaphor for the power dynamics in relationships or as a cautionary tale against trusting strangers. Others see it as a story that highlights the transformative and seductive nature of love. Regardless of the interpretation, Europa and the Bull remains an enduring myth that continues to inspire artists, writers, and storytellers.
In art, Europa and the Bull has been depicted in numerous paintings, sculptures, and other visual forms. One of the most famous depictions is the painting by the renowned artist Titian, titled “Europa and the Bull,” which showcases Europa sensually riding on the back of the bull.
The myth of Europa and the Bull has also found its way into literature. It has been referenced and explored in various works, such as William Shakespeare’s play “The Rape of Lucrece” and Jeanette Winterson’s novel “Weight: The Myth of Atlas and Heracles.” These adaptations and references serve to keep the myth alive and provide new interpretations for contemporary audiences.