Diana and Endymion

c. 1729 - 1742

Nicolas Le Sueur

Associated Names
Nicolas Le Sueur

Artist, French, 1690 - 1764

Madeleine Françoise Basseporte

Artist, French, 1701 - 1780

Sebastiano Conca

Artist After, Italian, 1680 - 1764

The image depicts two central figures. One figure, a man, is shown reclining against some drapery. He appears to be asleep, with his head resting on his hand and eyes closed. His long hair cascades past his shoulders. He is partially covered by a piece of cloth draped over his lower body and is holding a staff or rod with one hand. Another figure, a woman, is positioned behind him, looking down at him. Her hair is styled in an updo, with some decorative detail. She is wearing a flowing garment that leaves her arms bare. Two cherub-like figures hover above them, holding a torch, while two dogs lie at the man's feet. The background features swirling lines suggesting clouds or foliage.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chiaroscuro woodcut printed in green and black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 44.4 × 31.4 cm (17 1/2 × 12 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 54.9 × 38.4 cm (21 5/8 × 15 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.91.15

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc 1854 - 1888, no. 21


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, MA); purchased 2018 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels: no. 21

2021

  • Hoisington, Rena. Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya. Washington, 2021: 38, fig. 8.

Inscriptions

lower center below image: Diane et Endimion / dapres le dessein de Sébastien Conca, gravé par Nicolas leSueur. Sous le Conduite de M.le Basseporte 134

Watermarks

proprietary, with heart


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