Who painted Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto)?

Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto) was painted by Cornelius van Poelenburgh in 1654.

Where can I see Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto)?

Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto)?

Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto)

Cornelius van Poelenburgh , 1654

Nudes in a Landscape (possibly Diana and Callisto) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2019.11
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

About this work

Overview

Nudes in a Landscape, possibly depicting Diana and Callisto, is a drawing by Cornelis van Poelenburch that juxtaposes a monochromatic ink wash landscape with red chalk figures in the foreground.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates a pivotal moment from classical mythology: the revelation of Callisto's pregnancy with Jupiter's child to Diana, goddess of the hunt, leading to Callisto's banishment for breaking her vow of chastity.

Technique & Style

Van Poelenburch employed contrasting media: soft, cool ink washes for the landscape and warm red chalk for the figures, creating a visual dichotomy. This use of red chalk, adopted during his Italian travels, adds a distinctive glow to the foreground figures.

History & Provenance

Created after van Poelenburch's return to Amsterdam from Italy, the drawing reflects his continued use of red chalk, a medium less common in the Netherlands, potentially signaling his Italian influence.

Context

The work's emphasis on light and shadow relates to the artistic principle of chiaroscuro, a technique highly valued during the Baroque period, enhancing the emotional and spatial depth of the scene.