Diana and Endymion

Francesco Solimena (1657 - 1747)

Walker Art Gallery

1700- 1730

Diana, in a blue dress, is seated on a bank of clouds gazing at the sleeping Endymion, who lies on a pink cloth, surrounded by his dogs and horses. Cupid, flying between them, is about to shoot an arrow into Diana's heart. The picture was probably painted fairly late in Solimena's career since the composition, particularly the pose of Endymion, is close in reverse to that of the Dream of St Martin in the Certosa di S. Martino, Naples, which was probably painted shortly before 1733.

• Medium: oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 178 x 230 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £2000 ( Total: £9,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1966
• Vendor: Colnaghi

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say