The story of Leda & 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 & came to lie with her. As a consequence of their union she bore the twins Castor & Pollux, who were hatched from eggs. The subject was popular during the Renaissance. The painting is considerably damaged & restored, but is perhaps a mature autograph work.