The story of Leda and the Swan is a Greek myth which is told in various versions. Leda, the wife of the king of Sparta, was loved by the god Jupiter. He transformed himself into a swan and came to lie with her. As a consequence of their union she bore the twins Castor and Pollux, who were hatched from eggs. The subject was popular during the Renaissance.
The painting is considerably damaged and restored, but is perhaps a mature autograph work.
