Diana and Endymion

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Johann Michael Rottmayr's scenes from Greek and Roman mythology in the collection of the Art Institute may have belonged to a series of seven paintings, each representing a celestial body. Here, the lunar goddess Diana, wearing a crescent moon headpiece, delicately embraces her beloved shepherd Endymion. Her rich blue cloak flies out behind her as if caught in a cosmic wind and her shining eyes fix on the cherub behind him who reminds her to keep quiet. In fact, there is no need to worry, as she has placed Endymion in an eternal sleep so that she can gaze lovingly upon him each night.

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