Bolognese School, circa 1680

Henry Holman Drake Esq. (according to an old label on the reverse);
Joseph Cremer (1845-1938), Dortmund;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined and there is a loss of tension; the paint layer is stable but raised. The edges of the canvas have been restored and dark restorations to the sky, in and around Diana, can be seen. Paint loss to Diana's breast and arm and diagonally through her head can be seen. The clouds around Alpheus have been augmented as have the flesh tones of Arethusa. The dark ground is prominent through areas of the thin paint layer. There are, however, areas where the paint is well preserved and removal of the discoloured varnish would improve the overall tonality."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The subject is taken from Ovid, Metamorphoses, 5:572-641. As the nymph Arethusa bathed in a stream, the river god Alpheus chanced upon her and fell in love with her. Terrified, she fled but was eagerly pursued by her suitor. In the present composition we see Diana reaching down to envelop Arethusa in a cloud, just as the nymph's strength is beginning to fail her, and transform her into a stream which runs underground.