Diana and Actaeon (1556 - 1559) by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
Diana and Callisto (1556 - 1559) by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)Based on Ovid's Metamorphoses, these paintings are part of a group of six that Titian produced for Philip II of Spain between 1556 and 1559. Revered for their dramatic energy and Titian's striking palette, they are considered a pinnacle in Italian Renaissance art. (source)
And, they are for sale! So, get out your debit card ... Actually, the owner, the Duke of Sutherland, has had them on loan to the National Galleries of Scotland since 1945. The Duke is now in need of funds (isn't everyone?) and has offered Diana and Actaeon for a price of £50M - which is a bargain as the estimated value is £145M. The trick is, though, that the Galleries has to come up with the cash by today - December 31st. The second painting - Diana and Callisto - is part two of the process, assuming the successful acquisition of Actaeon, the Galleries will have four years to come up with the cash for the second purchase.
There was a story on NPR on Monday that goes into the details, which you may want to listen to. Or, you can click here to read the story.
So, my question is... in a culture where slim is in, how is it that these gorgeous - and definitely not slim - creatures are so lust worthy that they are worth, together, nearly $420,000,000 US? And - how can we bring back their look?
