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Caesar van Everdingen (1616/1617 – 1678) The Golden Age of Dutch painting is nowadays commonly associated with interior scenes from daily life (Vermeer), portraiture (Frans Hals) or the great landscape and seascape artists. However, the greatest possible achievement at the time was to become known as a good ‘historic painter’. Rembrandt was largely devoted to attaining such acclaim, and the greatest public esteem was mainly bestowed on works based on a historical subject – often the ancient classics – painted with emotional conviction, and expressing sound detail and narrative. The Alkmaar artist Van Everdingen perfected this art form. | ||
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AN 06 |
Jupiter and Callisto (1655) As soon as he lays eyes on her, Jupiter falls deeply in love with Callisto, the bosom friend of Diana, the goddess of chastity, hunting and the moon. Aware of Callisto’s chaste character, the supreme deity takes on the appearance of Diana, to be able to approach her. Although this approach meets with initial success – as the painting shows – when Jupiter is overcome with passion and Callisto stubbornly resists, the encounter comes to a rather sordid end for poor Callisto. She becomes heavy with child, and is repudiated by Diana. Then, adding insult to injury, Jupiter’s jealous spouse, Juno, turns her into a bear. Jupiter in his mercy, however, allows her to escape to the heavens, where she remains visible to this day as the constellation Ursa Major. The two angels observe the deception with mirth, displaying a mask as the symbol of Callisto’s delusion. Jupiter is portrayed in his own form, but is regarded by Callisto as Diana. This is not an uncommon style for the period. |
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