On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01665
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Diana and her Nymphs surprised by Satyrs
- Chronology
- 1638-1640
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 128 cm x 314 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Diana the huntress is resting with
her court of Nymphs in a clearing
in the woods when she is attacked
by a group of Satyrs.
Rubens turned this painting into a
virtuoso exercise in composition.
In the foreground, two volumes lead
to the rest of the scene: on the
left are the hunting trophies
attained by the nymphs, and on the
right, a reclining nymph with her
back to the viewer, one of the most
sensual nudes in the artist's
entire oeuvre. In the middle
ground, like a running frieze, are
two groups of figures: the Nymphs
who attempt to escape the attack of
the Fauns.
This painting comes from Rubens'
most sensual and poetic period,
coinciding with the last decade of
his life. Its open and very dynamic
composition shows his mastery of
movement. He painted it with the
help of other artists, including
Frans Snyders, for the animals, and
Jan Wildens, for the
landscape.
This is part of a series of
eighteen paintings intended for the
vaults of Madrid's Alc
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