French school (XVIII) - Diana e Callisto
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Description from the seller
French School, 18th century
Diana and Callisto (Jupiter disguised as Diana seduces the nymph)
A refined mythological scene with neoclassical taste that represents a less common episode drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses: Jupiter seducing Callisto, under the guise of the goddess Diana.
The composition unfolds in an intimate, suspended atmosphere, where the gesture of the false Diana — actually Jupiter — is charged with an ambiguous sweetness and a deeply narrative quality. Callisto, unaware of the deception, is caught in a moment of abandonment, while small putti on the left subtly allude to the amorous dimension and the imminent fate.
Unlike the more frequent representations, which illustrate discovery and punishment, here we are faced with a rarer and more sought-after moment: the phase of seduction, treated with elegance and sensitivity, typical of 18th-century French painting. The light flesh tones, soft drapery, and airy landscape contribute to create a balanced and decorative scene, with echoes of Rocaille-area production and early neoclassical accents.
On the right, the opening of the landscape with a figure and a horse introduces a secondary narrative element that broadens the reading of the scene, while at the lower right is visible a heraldic coat of arms, probably referring to a noble patronage or an aristocratic collection. This detail, beyond its identifying function, underlines the learned and prestigious character of the work.
Dimensions:
15 × 23 cm frame
13 × 20 cm painting
The frame visible in the photo is included as a courtesy and is not an integral part of the artwork. Any damage to the frame will not be a valid reason for claims or order cancellations
⸻
Shipping
The work will be packed with the utmost care using professional materials and shipped with trackable service.
Please note that postal shipping, while the most economical option, does not represent the ideal method for artwork: it cannot guarantee the absence of damage, especially for delicate supports and surfaces.
Upon request it is possible to arrange shipping via a specialized carrier.
Any customs duties or longer international shipping times (especially outside Switzerland) remain the purchaser’s responsibility.
Pickup in Geneva strongly recommended.
French School, 18th century
Diana and Callisto (Jupiter disguised as Diana seduces the nymph)
A refined mythological scene with neoclassical taste that represents a less common episode drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses: Jupiter seducing Callisto, under the guise of the goddess Diana.
The composition unfolds in an intimate, suspended atmosphere, where the gesture of the false Diana — actually Jupiter — is charged with an ambiguous sweetness and a deeply narrative quality. Callisto, unaware of the deception, is caught in a moment of abandonment, while small putti on the left subtly allude to the amorous dimension and the imminent fate.
Unlike the more frequent representations, which illustrate discovery and punishment, here we are faced with a rarer and more sought-after moment: the phase of seduction, treated with elegance and sensitivity, typical of 18th-century French painting. The light flesh tones, soft drapery, and airy landscape contribute to create a balanced and decorative scene, with echoes of Rocaille-area production and early neoclassical accents.
On the right, the opening of the landscape with a figure and a horse introduces a secondary narrative element that broadens the reading of the scene, while at the lower right is visible a heraldic coat of arms, probably referring to a noble patronage or an aristocratic collection. This detail, beyond its identifying function, underlines the learned and prestigious character of the work.
Dimensions:
15 × 23 cm frame
13 × 20 cm painting
The frame visible in the photo is included as a courtesy and is not an integral part of the artwork. Any damage to the frame will not be a valid reason for claims or order cancellations
⸻
Shipping
The work will be packed with the utmost care using professional materials and shipped with trackable service.
Please note that postal shipping, while the most economical option, does not represent the ideal method for artwork: it cannot guarantee the absence of damage, especially for delicate supports and surfaces.
Upon request it is possible to arrange shipping via a specialized carrier.
Any customs duties or longer international shipping times (especially outside Switzerland) remain the purchaser’s responsibility.
Pickup in Geneva strongly recommended.
Details
Artist
French school (XVIII)
Sold with frame
Yes
Title of artwork
Diana e Callisto
Technique
Gouache
Signature
Not signed
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition
Height
15 cm
Width
23 cm
Depiction/theme
Mythology
Style
Rococo
Period
18th century
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