Diana en Endymion 1703 - 1775

"Diana en Endymion" (1703-1775) is a pen and wash drawing by Dutch artist Louis Fabritius Dubourg (1693-1775), currently in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The drawing depicts the mythological scene of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, finding Endymion, a shepherd, asleep in a grove. Diana is depicted in the upper part of the composition, riding on a crescent moon with a cherub beside her, while Endymion lies in a reclining pose in the lower part, seemingly oblivious to Diana's presence. The drawing highlights the contrast between the celestial and earthly realms, with the moon symbolizing Diana's divine nature and Endymion representing the human condition. The delicate lines and subtle washes of gray and brown create a sense of dreamlike beauty and tranquility, perfectly capturing the essence of the mythological tale.