Lot 1015 Dα

The present composition is one of just a few mythological subjects to be painted by the Bassano family, although Francesco and his brother Leandro Bassano utilised the same motif. According to Edoardo Arslan, the work can be brought into connection with Leandro's earlier work, which was painted shortly before he left for Venice in 1579. At this time, he still based his compositions upon those painted by his father and brother, but already used broader brushstrokes and a vivid colour palette. Alongside the comparison pieces mentioned above, there is also a further, similar work documented in the collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, which was included among David Teniers' engravings for the “Theatrum Pictorium”.