Toilet van Diana 1606 - 1675

Abraham van Diepenbeeck’s “Toilet van Diana” (1606-1675) is a black chalk drawing currently housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The drawing depicts the Roman goddess Diana, along with her nymphs, in a secluded forest setting. Their nude figures and the depiction of a bath scene are reminiscent of Renaissance art, while the composition and overall style of the drawing, which is both detailed and expressive, point toward the Baroque era. The work demonstrates Van Diepenbeeck’s skill as a draftsman, using the medium of black chalk to capture the light and shadow of the figures. The work is a study of the human form, exploring the beauty and grace of the nude figure.