4x5 transparency scanned on Hasselblad Flextight X1 by Ed Pollard-2009.

Diana and Callisto

Artist David Wilkie (Scottish, 1785-1841)

Date1803

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 25 1/4 x 30 1/4 in. (64.1 x 76.8 cm)
Overall, Frame: 31 1/4 x 37 1/4 in. (79.4 x 94.6 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2081

Terms

Greek mythology
Yellow
Orange
Blue
Green
White
Romantic

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is an oil painting on canvas. The scene is from Greek mythology. Diana in unfurling red holds the center stage as she banishes the nymph Callisto from her camp for having become pregnant by Zeus (although Zeus was in disguise). Four other nymphs surround Diana in various postures of shock and surprise. Two grab at Callisto's garments as if to hold her back as she progresses into the shadows at the left. Cupid also with his back to Diana appears to be departing with her.

Label TextSir David Wilkie English, 1785-1841 Diana and Callisto, 1803 Oil on canvas Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2081 According to ancient Roman mythology, the beautiful nymph Callisto was a devotee of Diana, the virgin goddess of the moon and the hunt. Seduced by the god Jupiter in the forest, Callisto returned to Diana's camp and was discovered by her to be pregnant. Enraged at Callisto's transgression, Diana drove her away. This dramatic moment of banishment is the subject of David Wilkie's painting here. Diana and Callisto was painted at the beginning of Wilkie's career, when the nineteen-year-old artist was still a student at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh and was working to master its traditional teaching regimen, which ranked "historical" subjects drawn from the Bible and classical mythology far more highly than mere portraiture, landscape, and scenes of daily life. In 1803 the contest subject for the Academy's yearly competition for the best history painting was Diana and Callisto. Wilkie submitted the present painting and, with it, won the first prize of nine pounds.