Jupiter and Callisto

The subject of the painting is taken from Ovid. Diana's nymphs were expected to be as chaste as the goddess herself. One of them, Callisto, was seduced by Jupiter who first disguised himself as Diana in order to gain the nymphs presence. Her pregnancy was eventually noticed by Diana who punished Callisto by changing her into a a bear and setting the dogs on her. But Jupiter snatched her up to heaven just in time.

In this painting Jupiter embraces the naked reclining nymph. His eagle in the background has a thunderbolt in its beak. Callisto is not yet aware of the fate that awaits her. Supporting herself on the quiver, she rises from her rest and looks directly at Jupiter, whom she believes to be Diana. What is unique in Everdingen's painting is that Callisto glances up and sees Jupiter as Diana, whereas we see him as himself, wearing the crown of the gods.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 38 minutes): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony in C Major (Jupiter-Symphony) K 551