Diana and Callisto

"Diana and Callisto," attributed to the Possibly School of Nicolas Poussin French, 1594-1665, is an exemplary early 18th-century French drawing. Executed between 1700 and 1735, this detailed preparatory or finished study reflects the enduring influence of the classical tradition established by Poussin decades earlier. The artist employed black chalk on ivory laid paper, utilizing the medium to meticulously delineate the figures' dramatic contours and the emotional intensity of the narrative moment. This classification as a drawing indicates its function as an essential stage in the academic tradition of art making in France.

The subject, derived from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, illustrates the pivotal scene where the virgin goddess Diana discovers the secret pregnancy of her devoted nymph Callisto. The stylistic influence of Poussin is evident in the work's emphasis on clarity, rational composition, and the careful arrangement of draped figures, which elevates the dramatic episode to a timeless classical tableau. The highly refined draughtsmanship suggests that the piece may have served as a model for a larger painting or was intended as a valued collector's study. This important work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The circulation of these detailed chalk studies in the 18th century ensured that the classical compositions of masters like Poussin remained highly accessible, frequently inspiring the creation of prints and subsequent works that are today often found in the public domain.