The lack of an autograph work of this theme by Jacopo suggests that the idea for the composition came from Francesco at the end of the 1570s, by which time he had gained greater independence from his father and found a Venetian clientele who was receptive to this subject matter. Two further versions are known: one hangs in the Galleria degli Uffizi (inv. 6.219), and the other was auctioned in 1976 (London, Sotheby´s, 12 May 1976). Like the Uffizi version, the Prado painting is ascribed to Leandro, whereas the third is attributed to Francesco, who did two preparatory drawings that illustrate how the family bottega worked. The first, Mercury with the Cattle and The Rape of Europa, was sold by Christie´s on 2 July 1993, and is a preliminary sketch outlining the basic elements of the composition, such as the number, arrangement and scale of objects and figures. The following step prior to transferring the figure to the canvas is illustrated in a drawing of Mercury with his physical features and clothing more clearly defined (Florence, Galleria degli Uffizi 13052F; 208 x 195 mm). The figure of Mercury is cut off at knee level, which is where the lamb appears in the painting showing how different drawings were juxtaposed in the form of a collage until the composition was completed. Although both drawings are similar to the Prado painting, there are certain differences. In addition to small changes in his attire, Mercury is shown in a more upright position in the painting. In the same way, the caduceus appears rigidly vertical in the painting, whereas it is more diagonal in the drawings (Text drawn from Falomir, M.: Los Bassano en la España del Siglo de Oro, Museo Nacional del Prado, 2001, p. 242).