Van Loo, Attr. To, Artemis Pursued By Alpheus

CHARLES ANDRÉ VAN LOO, attr. to
ARTEMIS PURSUED BY ALPHEUS

CHARLES ANDRÉ VAN LOO, attr. to
Nice 1705 – 1765 Paris

Oil on canvas, original rococo frame
34.5 x 41 cm / 22.2 x 17.5 inches; with frame 46.5 x 53 cm / 28.7 x 24.8 inches

The subject of the painting was mistakenly identified by its previous owner as "Pan and Syrinx." In truth, however, it depicts Artemis and Alpheus.

Artemis is easily recognized by the crescent moon adorning her head, the bow she holds in her hand, and the quiver of arrows slung across her back. The myth of Artemis and Alpheus tells of the river god Alpheus, who fell deeply in love with the goddess of the hunt, Artemis (known as Diana to the Romans). Alpheus sought to pursue her, yearning to win her affection, but Artemis, ever resourceful and determined to evade his advances, devised a cunning stratagem. She and her nymphs smeared their faces with mud, rendering themselves unrecognizable, and thus they escaped Alpheus, preserving both their freedom and their dignity.

PROVENANCE
München, private collection