Diana and Endymion
Johann Michael Rottmayr·c. 1695
Historical Context
This Diana and Endymion by Rottmayr depicts the moon goddess discovering the beautiful sleeping shepherd, a popular mythological subject in Baroque decorative painting. Created around 1695, the canvas belongs to a series of mythological scenes Rottmayr produced during his most productive period. The artist was instrumental in bringing the grand manner of Venetian and Roman Baroque painting to the Habsburg lands.
Technical Analysis
The composition employs a dramatic nocturnal palette appropriate to the lunar mythology, with Diana's silvery light contrasting against the warm tones of Endymion's sleeping form. Rottmayr's fluid brushwork and confident figure drawing reflect his Venetian training.
Provenance
Unknown Illinois banker; given by banker to Jacob S. Sherman, Chicago, during the 1930s as collateral for a loan that was never repaid [according to Robert Parker Sherman, son of Jacob S. Sherman, telephone conversation with Martha Wolff, 23 July 2003, transcribed in curatorial file]; given by Jacob S. Sherman (died 1961) to the Art Institute, 1961.
See It In Person
More by Johann Michael Rottmayr
Apollo Granting Phaeton Permission to Drive the Chariot of the Sun
Johann Michael Rottmayr·c. 1695
Jove Casts his Thunderbolts at the Rebellious Giants
Johann Michael Rottmayr·c. 1695
Mercury Rescues the Disguised Io after Beheading Argus
Johann Michael Rottmayr·c. 1695
Venus and Cupid at the Forge of Vulcan
Johann Michael Rottmayr·c. 1695
