Hippomenes And Atalanta, Italian School 17th Century

Hippomenes and Atalanta run in a twilight, dramatic and silent landscape of ancient ruins from which stands out a large bas-relief of a half-naked woman (Venus?).
Italian school from the second half of the 17th century.
Oil on canvas in very good condition, old frame from the 18th century.
Frame 57x47 cm.
In Greek mythology an oracle had predicted to Atalanta that if she took a husband, without ceasing to live, she would cease to be herself. Frightened by this prediction, she tries to ward off all the suitors who come forward. She gives them as a condition for her marriage to beat her in a race or die. Because of her great beauty, many attempt the test and lose their lives. The young Hippomenes attends one of these races and falls in love with the young girl. He then asks for the protection of Venus who provides him with three golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides. As usual during the race, Atalanta overtakes Hippomenes who then throws a first apple. Her competitor lets herself be caught and bends down to retrieve the fruit. Twice, the same routine begins again and Atalanta must leave the victory to the young man who marries her. Unfortunately, the two lovers forget to thank the goddess. Indignant, Venus hands them over to Cybele who fulfills the oracle: now transformed into lions, they will live in the forests, subject to the goddess.