The nymphs of Diana disarm the sleeping cupids (or Victoria of Diana)

oil on canvas
61 x 73 cm., framed 79 x 93 cm.

Short video of the work:
https://youtu.be/owUBSongxhw

The beautiful painting proposed, depicting a group of sleeping cupids while being disarmed by the nymphs of the goddess Diana, is attributable to a master active in the seventeenth century, perfectly adhering to the stylistic and compositional models of the Bolognese Francesco Albani (Bologna 1578 - 1660), presumably trained in his prolific workshop.

A disciple of Annibale Carracci, Albani is considered, together with Domenichino and Guido Reni, among the greatest exponents of Bolognese classicism, highly sought after by the cultured clients of the time. Thanks to a style characterized by compositions with an idyllic character and therefore compliant to the most intimate tastes of the clients, the greater production of the Albani workshop is to be recognized in mythological paintings, rather than in those with a religious theme.

The composition in question draws inspiration from one of his works in particular, the "Triumph of Diana", preserved in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, part of a cycle of four rounds inspired by the seasons and executed by Francesco Albani around 1620 for the superb collection of the Roman villa of Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

Our canvas, probably made in the artist's workshop, depicts some sleeping Cupids, disarmed by order of the chaste goddess Diana, who dominates the scene from above, by the hand of her faithful Nymphs: one of them breaks an arch with her knee, two others steal arrows while still another is even cutting the wings with a pair of scissors. Finally, the scene, set in a lush forest, sees other nymphs who are preparing to remove from the tree and burn a shield, which the lively cupids used as a target.

The subject depicted was in great demand by collectors of the time for its strong allegorical meaning, namely that of the victory of chastity, personified by Diana, over the futile beauty of Venus. Unlike the other three works by Albani, depicting the stories of Venus, ours deals with the theme of the rivalry between Love and Chastity, virtues embodied by the two divinities, and the triumph of chaste Diana over the beautiful Venus.

The painting, of excellent quality, is proposed in very good conservation conditions. Accompanied by a gilt frame. A superficial cleaning of the canvas has restored the colors to their original brilliance, and has allowed us to fully appreciate its refined layout.

Like all our objects, the work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law (FIMA).

For any additional information, you are welcome to contact us, without any obligation.