Lairesse, Gérard de (1641-1711)
Selene and Endymion
c.1680
Oil on canvas, 177 x 118.5 cm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The chaste goddess of the moon, Selene (or Diana), is in love with the shepherd Endymion. Only at night when he is asleep does she quietly creep down to him, accompanied by Cupid, whose torch symbolizes burning love. This painting was (appropriately) hung in Mary Stuart’s bedchamber in Soestdijk Palace, for Lairesse felt that the function and decoration of a room should correspond. (RIJKS)