Diana en Endymion 1690 - 1727

Jeremias van Schaak created this print titled, 'Diana and Endymion.' In it, Diana is shown gazing down upon the sleeping shepherd Endymion. This popular scene from classical mythology often symbolized beauty, love, and longing. These tales were especially popular amongst the elite of seventeenth-century Dutch society. The institutional context of art production in the Netherlands at this time was heavily shaped by the rise of a wealthy merchant class and a thriving art market. Artists like Van Schaak catered to the tastes of this emerging bourgeoisie, producing works that showcased their education and cultural sophistication. This print would have been particularly attractive to collectors interested in portraying themselves as cultivated members of society, familiar with classical tales. Prints such as this one were important in cementing cultural norms, so further research into its reception history may prove invaluable.