Lairesse, Gerard de – Selene en Endymion, 1678 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a nocturnal scene steeped in mythological narrative. A luminous sphere dominates the upper portion of the canvas, radiating light that illuminates the figures below and casts dramatic shadows across the landscape. The central figure, a woman with dark hair adorned with a crescent moon diadem, appears to descend from this celestial body. Her pose is one of graceful extension; her arm reaches outward as if offering or acknowledging something beyond the frame. She is partially draped in a blue cloth that clings to her form, revealing considerable bare skin and emphasizing a classical ideal of beauty.
Below her, a male figure lies prone on a bed of foliage. He appears asleep, his body relaxed and vulnerable. A small winged child, presumably a cherub, stands beside the woman, holding aloft what seems to be a torch or lamp. The child’s gaze is directed towards the sleeping man, suggesting an active role in the unfolding narrative.
The setting is a wooded area, rendered with considerable detail. Trees and foliage frame the scene, while a distant horizon line suggests depth. A band of darkness occupies the lower portion of the painting, creating a visual separation between the figures and the viewer, and contributing to the overall sense of mystery and drama. The sky above is turbulent, filled with swirling clouds that enhance the ethereal quality of the light source.
The subtexts within this work revolve around themes of divine intervention, desire, and sleep. The woman’s descent from the moon suggests a supernatural presence, possibly an act of benevolent or mischievous guidance. The sleeping mans vulnerability implies a state of passivity, open to influence or enchantment. The cherub’s role as torchbearer could symbolize enlightenment or perhaps a more playful manipulation of events.
The artist employs chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast between light and dark – to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. This technique not only emphasizes the figures but also contributes to an atmosphere of dreamlike ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation regarding the nature of the relationship between these characters and the forces that govern their actions. The overall effect is one of heightened drama and mythological significance, inviting contemplation on the interplay between the divine and mortal realms.