The present work is a final version of a theme which Albani came back to on several occasions (see, for instance, the paintings in the Patrizi collection, Rome, the Colonna collection, Rome, as well as that in the Uffizi, Florence, Inv. no. 1366). In dating this work to last decade of Albani's life, circa 1650-60, Catherine Puglisi notes that in this last variation of The Abduction of Europa he included additional deities in the sky and, whilst citing the involvement of his studio in this painting, she points out that Albani's participation can be detected, particularly to the two figures in the lower right hand corner.

The present lot is to be included in Catherine Puglisi's forthcoming catalogue raisonné on the artist as by Albani and studio.