The engraving reproduces the painting made by Michelangelo in 1530 and now lost, but known through several copies. The myth is reported by several ancient sources and tells that Zeus fell in love with Leda and to seduce her he decided to turn into a swan. Their union took place on the banks of the Eurota river, and this is the moment depicted with great attention to detail. Later Leda laid an egg from which Pollux, one of the two Dioscuri, and Elena, future queen of Troy, known for her beauty, came out.