Europe and the bull, 1992

Edition of 150 - Colour lithograph - In excellent condition // Europe and the Bull by Hugo Claus, created in 1992, is a color lithograph that reinterprets the classical myth of Europa and the bull. The composition combines abstract and figurative elements: a bold, black and red depiction of the bull dominates the upper part of the print, with splashes of red resembling blood or motion, adding a sense of intensity and drama. Below, a reclining nude figure, representing Europa, is outlined in a simple, expressive black line, contrasting with the vibrant, chaotic rendering of the bull. The background includes faint text elements, perhaps hinting at the myth’s narrative or adding a layer of literary context. Claus’s use of minimalistic line work and dynamic colors captures both the mythological and emotional complexity of the story. This piece, limited to an edition of 150, exemplifies Claus’s ability to blend mythology with modern artistic expression.