Diana and Endymion c. 17th century

Curator: This is Frans de Neve's "Diana and Endymion", a work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a scene of profound intimacy in a classical landscape. Editor: Wow, it feels like stepping into a dream—ethereal and timeless. The sleeping figure, the goddess leaning over him... it’s all so tender. Curator: The story itself is steeped in myth: Diana, the moon goddess, falls in love with the mortal shepherd Endymion. He is forever asleep, eternally youthful, the object of her unwavering devotion. Editor: It makes you think about power dynamics, doesn’t it? The goddess, the mortal… Who holds the real power in this encounter? Is it love or possession? Curator: That's a key question. This work reflects on themes of immortality, desire, and the complex relationships between gods and mortals, and the inherent imbalances within. Editor: It's definitely food for thought. The piece really lingers with you, like the scent of something lovely.