Diana og Endymion 1606 - 1688

Franciscus de Neve created this etching, Diana and Endymion, during the Baroque period, a time when the Catholic Church sought to re-establish its influence. In this intimate portrayal, we see Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and moon, gazing lovingly at the shepherd Endymion. The classical mythos intertwines themes of beauty and desire. What does it mean to be desired by a goddess? Endymion, caught in eternal slumber, becomes an object of Diana's unending affection. His is a story of powerlessness and beauty. De Neve explores the intersection of divine and mortal realms, reflecting the cultural fascination with classical antiquity that was typical of his time. The lush landscape is rendered with detailed precision, offering a backdrop to the quiet, eternal moment between goddess and mortal. This piece captures a sense of longing and the complex dynamics of desire, leaving us to consider the price of beauty and the power of the divine gaze.