Diana thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case IONIDES, Shelf 5, Box A

Diana

Drawing
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
TitleDiana
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
  • Height: 21.6cm
  • Width: 15.3cm
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

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 27, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest