ITALIAN SCHOOL,ooooo DOM. ZAMPIERI, 00000000000000 ROME. DIANA AND HER NYMPHS. Dominicho Zampieri has here represented a feats given by the goddess of the chase! Her nymphs are exercising with the bow, and we see that many of them, have already given proof of their address, since an arrow remains transfixed in the top of the mast, whilst another has pierced the head of the unfortunate bird which served as a mark, again a third nymph has succeeded still better, she has separated with her arrow the string which retained the bird. This nymph has therefore gained the prize : the goddess of the chase testifies her satisfaction at it, and exposes to view the bow and quiver with which she is about to recompense the most skilful huntress. This remarquable composition, is not altogether as poetic as might be wished in a mythological subject, but Dominichino, according to the expression of Taillasson « possesses in his manner of depicting nature, that good humour, that original and affecting simplicity, which interest so greatly in the productions of La Fontaine. They bear great resemblance to each other in their little pleasing negligences; it would seem that their persons, and their manners must have done the same also. » This painting is placed in the Borghese palace at Rome : it was formerly etched by Jean François Venturini, and by Scalberge, some years ago, Raphael Morghen made a very fine engraving of it. |