Artwork
Two designs for overdoor paintings depicting Diana and Acteon (left) and Bacchus and Erigone (right)
Two designs for overdoor paintings depicting Diana and Acteon (left) and Bacchus and Erigone (right) is a drawing by James Thornhill. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
These two drawings by James Thornhill are preliminary designs for overdoor paintings, each illustrating a mythological scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The left drawing depicts Diana and Actaeon, while the right shows Bacchus and Erigone, both composed in black chalk with subtle wash enhancements.
Subject & Meaning
The left drawing illustrates Actaeon's encounter with Diana bathing, hinted at his transformation into a tree through emerging branches from his head. The right drawing shows Bacchus, disguised as a bunch of grapes, being presented to Erigone as part of his seduction.
Technique & Style
Thornhill employed black chalk for initial sketches, augmenting darker areas with wash. Both drawings include pen and ink inscriptions by the artist, noting the figures depicted and intended dimensions for the final paintings.
History & Provenance
The original commission for these overdoor painting designs remains unknown. The drawings are now part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir James Thornhill was an English painter of historical subjects working in the Italian baroque tradition.
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