Circle of Antoine Coypel, Diana Bathing with the Nymphs, 1720, Oil on Canvas

Details

Description

Antoine Coypel (Paris, 1661 - 1722) Circle of

Diana Bathing with Nymphs

Oil on canvas
92 x 72 cm. - … Read more Antoine Coypel (Paris, 1661 - 1722) Circle of

Diana Bathing with Nymphs

Oil on canvas
92 x 72 cm. - Framed 109 x 91 cm.
The scene, set in a mythological outdoor setting, characterized by a suffused, theatrical atmosphere typical of the 17th-century French school, shows Diana, goddess of the hunt, easily recognizable by the crescent moon atop her head, naked and partially covered by a blue cloak that falls over her legs.

The goddess, seated at the center of the composition, is surrounded by maids and nymphs who assist her during her bath, also naked, following a hunt, as evidenced by the bows and quivers laid aside. One of them, on the left, is kneeling while helping her remove her shoes, while another, on the opposite side, offers her a basket filled with fruit and flowers.

The work derives, albeit with some variations (first and foremost, in the original the figures appear clothed), from a composition by Antoine Coypel (Paris 1661–1722) held in the Musée Départemental des Vosges in Épinal, France, already celebrated at the time thanks to engravers such as Pieter van den Berge (1694–1737) who contributed to its dissemination.
This work, "Le Repos de Diane," dedicated primarily to the delight of collectors who loved this subject to decorate their rooms, enjoyed great success from the 1695 original onward, as evidenced by numerous contemporary copies; among them, ours, 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 had a huge influence on a generation of early 18th-century French painters, who studied his great decorative cycles, such as the Aeneas Gallery at the Palais-Royal in Paris.

The painting, of excellent quality, reflects the carefully studied scenographic arrangement, where 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 of elegant and mythological scenes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is presented in a beautiful gold frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less