Diana
Drawing
ca. 1580-1590 (drawn)
ca. 1580-1590 (drawn)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The bold chiaroscuro and high finish achieved with brush and body-colour in this drawing are often found in the work of Northern artists of last quarter of the sixteenth century. The exact mythological subject of the composition, given in an old inscription, is also enigmatic. From the attributes of the crescent moon in her hair and her huntress's bow we may recognise the goddess Diana. Vowed to celibacy, she appears to spurn a suitor, whilst Cupid symbolically breaks his bow.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Diana |
Materials and techniques | Wash and bodycolour |
Brief description | Anonymous German or Netherlandish drawing of the late 16th century executed in white bodycolour over a dark brownish ground. The subject is Diana seeming to spurn a suitor, while Cupid symbolically breaks his bow. |
Physical description | Mythological scene of Diana seeming to rebuff a suitor by the side of a river, executed in white bodycolour over a dark brownish background. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Bequeathed by Constantine Alexander Ionides |
Object history | Bequeathed by C.A. Ionides, 1900 |
Production | Probably Netherlandish or German |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | The bold chiaroscuro and high finish achieved with brush and body-colour in this drawing are often found in the work of Northern artists of last quarter of the sixteenth century. The exact mythological subject of the composition, given in an old inscription, is also enigmatic. From the attributes of the crescent moon in her hair and her huntress's bow we may recognise the goddess Diana. Vowed to celibacy, she appears to spurn a suitor, whilst Cupid symbolically breaks his bow. |
Collection | |
Accession number | CAI.364 |
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Record created | March 27, 2008 |
Record URL |
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