Diana and Endymion
C. 1675-1680
Luca Giordano captures the dreamy moment when the moon goddess Diana descends from the heavens to visit her mortal lover, Endymion, who is locked in an eternal sleep. Notice the crescent moon tucked into Diana's hair and her billowing blue drapery, classic Baroque touches that add drama and movement to the scene. Giordano, nicknamed 'Luca fa presto' (Luca paints fast) for his incredible speed, brings a soft, romantic glow to this mythological tale, complete with sleeping hunting dogs at the shepherd's feet. It's a perfect snapshot of divine obsession, where a goddess sneaks down just to gaze at a beautiful boy who will never wake up to see her.
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