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Diana and Callisto

According to the mythographer Apollodorus, Zeus disguised himself as Artemis or Apollo, in order to lure Callisto into his embrace.

According to Ovid, it was Jupiter who took the form of Diana so that he might evade his wife Juno's detection, forcing himself upon Callisto while she was separated from Diana and the other nymphs. Callisto's subsequent pregnancy was discovered several months later while she was bathing with Diana and her fellow nymphs. Diana became enraged when she saw that Callisto was pregnant and expelled her from the group. Callisto later gave birth to Arcas

Diana and Callisto Stamp Collection
Titian's Diana and Callisto (1556-1559). The pregnancy of Callisto, an attendant nymph of Diana, goddess of the moon, hunting and chastity, is cruelly revealed. Banished by Diana, Callisto was later transformed by Jupiter her seducer, into the constellation of the Great Bear. The powerful gestures and varied poses of Diana and her nymphs complement those in the composition of the companion painting Diana and Actaeon. These large so-called 'poesie' reveal Titian's mastery of the idealised human figure and of colour and light to convey contrasting textures. As late works, they also indicate the remarkable physical energy he expended using his fingers as much as his brushes to apply paint. Here, as in most subsequent depictions, Diana points angrily, as Callisto is held by two nymphs, who may be pulling off what little clothing remains on her.
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Sao Tome and Principe 1990  Diana and Callisto by Titian
Diana and Callisto by Titian - The whole painting
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Paraguay 1986  Diana and Callisto by Titian 
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Bhutan 1989  Diana and Callisto by Titian - The Block
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Paraguay 1976  Diana and Callisto by Titian (detail) 
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Ajman 1973  Diana and Callisto by Titian (detail) 
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Bhutan 1989  Diana and Callisto by Titian - The Stamp
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Fugiara 1972  Diana and Callisto by Titian (detail) 
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Bolivia 1984  Diana and Callisto by Rubens 
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Sao Tome and Principe 1977  Diana and Callisto by Rubens 

Rubens represents the most dramatic moment of the story: As Diana and her nymphs prepare to take a bath Callisto reveals her pregnancy. Ashamed, she tries to cover herself with her clothes. To the left, with the moon on her head, is Diana.

Rubens presents his own interpretation of the mythological story, focusing on Callisto rather than Diana, and charging the image with sensuality and eroticism, characteristics of his later works.

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Hungary 1970  Diana and Callisto by Abraham Janssens 
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