| ROMAN ARTIST, early 18th century DIANA AND ENDYMION Black chalk, heightened with white, on blue prepared paper. 248 x 396 mm. PROVENANCE: Ferruccio Asta (Lugt 116a). Watermark: 'Lily in a crowned circle'. The drawing is by a follower of Maratta. Diana, as goddess of Moon, watched over the sleep of the earth. When she saw Endymion, a young beautiful shepherd, sleeping on Mount Latmos, she fell violently in love and seduced him. At Diana's request, Zeus, her father, agreed to fulfil any of his fancy. Endymion chose the eternal sleep, and fell asleep, remaining young forever. |
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