Diana and Endymion

About this artwork

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...