Mythological Portrait Of A Young Woman, Louis XV Period, 18th Century, Syrinx, 1750, Miniature

Old miniature portrait dating from the middle of the 18th century.
Young woman dressed as a divinity, reference to the nymph Syrinx.
Oil on canvas mounted. 18cm x 16cm.
In good condition.

In Greek mythology, Syrinx is a nymph, a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. The god Pan, in love with her, pursued her. To escape him, Syrinx asked the gods for help and was transformed into reeds on the banks of the Ladon River. Pan, hearing the wind blowing through these reeds, was charmed by the sound produced. He then cut several reeds of different sizes and assembled them to create an instrument that he named syrinx, in memory of the nymph. In 18th century art, representing a woman holding a pan flute can symbolize: Purity and chastity, in reference to Syrinx's escape to preserve her virginity. Transformation and metamorphosis, themes dear to the Baroque and Rococo eras