Diana en haar nimfen op wolken 1739 - 1780

Francesco Bartolozzi made this etching, "Diana and her nymphs on clouds," in 1785. The Italian artist spent much of his career in London, becoming a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts. Here, Bartolozzi renders a scene of classical mythology with all the grace and elegance of the late 18th century. Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, is pictured with her entourage, floating amongst the clouds. Note how the figures are idealized, their forms soft, and their expressions serene. This work reflects the period's fascination with classical antiquity and the art academies' power to shape artistic taste. The print medium also speaks to the rise of a broader art market and the desire to disseminate images widely. To understand this artwork better, one could research the history of the Royal Academy, the market for prints in 18th-century England, and the classical sources that inspired artists like Bartolozzi.