Diana and Callisto 1605 - 1608

Jan Brueghel the Younger’s “Diana and Callisto” (1605-1608), depicts the Greek myth of the goddess Diana and her nymph Callisto, who was transformed into a bear by Juno after she gave birth to the son of Jupiter. The painting features a group of nude nymphs bathing in a wooded setting, with Callisto standing out from the others, as she is larger than the others and is wearing a red cloak. The detail in the painting, from the foliage and rocks to the jeweled ornaments on the ground, highlights the skills of Brueghel, who is known for his meticulous representations of nature and detailed brushwork. The scene, painted during the Dutch Golden Age, is filled with drama and intrigue, as the viewer witnesses the transformation of Callisto into a bear in the background.