Brulloff Karl (1799 - 1852)
Diana, Endymion, and Satyr
Oil on cardboard, 1849
46.5x58.5 Г±Г¬
The Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

Artemis – ancient Greek goddess (Roman name Diana) of hunt, daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo. Artemis was always a virgin and eternally young, with no interests beyond hunting. Like her brother, her weapon was the bow. Her arrows inflicted sudden death without pain. She was vindictive and there were many who suffered her anger.

Diana and Endymion. In later times Romans began associate the goddess Diana (Artemis) with Selene (goddess of Moon), who, unlike Diana, was not famous for her chastity. With this Diana/Selene and Endymion, a young shepherd of great beauty, the following legend deals: when Selene saw Endymion, she fell violently in love and seduced him. At Selene’s request Zeus, her father, agreed to fulfill any of his fancy. He chose the eternal sleep, and fell asleep, remaining young forever.