Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Antoine Coypel (Paris, 1661–1722) circle
Diana Bathing with the Nymphs
Oil on canvas 92 x 72 cm. - Framed: 109 x 91 cm.
The scene, set in an outdoor mythological setting characterized by a soft, theatrical atmosphere typical of the 17th-century French school, depicts Diana, goddess of the hunt, easily recognizable by the crescent moon on her head, naked and partially covered by a blue cloak draped over her legs.
The goddess, seated at the center of the composition, is surrounded by handmaidens and nymphs who are assisting her as she bathes; they, too, are all nude, having just returned from a hunting expedition, as evidenced by the bows and quivers lying nearby; one of them, on the left, is kneeling as she helps her remove her sandals, while another, on the opposite side, hands her a basket overflowing with fruit and flowers.
Although it differs in certain aspects (most notably, the figures in the original are clothed), the work is derived from a composition by Antoine Coypel (Paris 1661 –1722) housed at the Musée Départemental des Vosges in Épinal, France (Fig. 1 – https://www.pubhist.com/w74885), which was already celebrated in its day thanks to engravers such as Pieter van den Berge (1694–1737), who helped popularize it (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, fig. 2 – https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200395096).
This work, “Le Repos de Diane,” intended primarily for the enjoyment of collectors who loved this subject to adorn their rooms, was a great success starting with the original from 1695, as evidenced by the numerous period copies; among them our own, the work of a talented painter from Coypel’s circle.
Given his position as director of the Académie Royale and “First Painter to the Duke of Orléans,” Coypel exerted an enormous influence on a generation of early 18th-century French painters, who studied his great decorative cycles, such as the Gallery of Aeneas at the Palais-Royal in Paris.
This painting, of excellent quality, features a carefully studied compositional arrangement, in which the measured postures of the nymphs in the foreground serve to direct the viewer’s gaze toward the central figure of Diana.
The use of warm colors and the softness of the forms reflect the influence of Coypel’s style, known for his mastery in depicting elegant mythological scenes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is complete with an attractive gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of artworks.
Please feel free to contact us, with no obligation, for any additional information.
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Delevery information :
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
We take great care We personally take care of the packaging, to which we devote a great deal of care: each work is carefully packed, first with arti- cle material, then with a custom-made wooden box.
Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
