Diana Offered Wine and Fruit by Bacchus and his Retinue c. 1617 - 1625

Hendrik van Balen’s *Diana Offered Wine and Fruit by Bacchus and his Retinue* (c. 1617-1625) depicts the Roman goddess Diana, often associated with hunting, being offered wine and fruit by the god Bacchus. The scene is set in a lush forest, with a retinue of satyrs and nymphs surrounding Bacchus and Diana. Van Balen was a prominent Flemish painter of the early 17th century known for his mythological and allegorical scenes. This painting, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a classic example of his mastery of detail and composition. The artist's meticulous attention to the textures of the figures' clothing, the lush vegetation, and the intricate arrangements of fruit, offers a glimpse into the beauty and sophistication of the Baroque era.