Martínez del Mazo, Juan Bautista (Copia de Tiziano, Vecellio di Gregorio) – Diana descubre la falta de Calisto Part 1 Prado museum

The composition presents a scene steeped in classical mythology, rendered with a dramatic and theatrical flair. A central female figure, presumably a goddess due to her regal bearing and adornment – a crown of leaves and a quiver of arrows – dominates the visual field. She stands poised, her arm extended as if pointing or revealing something significant. Her gaze is directed towards a prone male figure lying on the ground at her feet.
Around this central axis, a cluster of other figures are arranged in various states of repose and apparent surprise. Several nude individuals populate the foreground; one man lies prostrate, seemingly asleep or incapacitated, while another attempts to shield him with his arm. A group of women surrounds them, their expressions ranging from shock to amusement. Their poses suggest a moment captured mid-action, as if they have been interrupted during an illicit encounter.
The setting appears to be a secluded grove, indicated by the dense foliage and dappled light filtering through the trees. In the background, a sculpted monument is visible, adding another layer of classical reference. The sky above is painted with a dramatic sunset or sunrise, contributing to the overall sense of heightened emotion and narrative tension.
The artist’s use of chiaroscuro – the contrast between light and dark – intensifies the drama. Light falls selectively on certain figures, highlighting their expressions and emphasizing their roles in the unfolding story. The flesh tones are rendered with a remarkable realism, contributing to the sensuality of the scene.
Subtleties within the composition suggest themes of transgression and divine retribution. The goddess’s gesture implies exposure or judgment; she seems to be unveiling a secret act. The presence of nymphs or attendants suggests a courtly setting where morality is tested and consequences are inevitable. The fallen figure on the ground, seemingly vulnerable and exposed, embodies the fragility of human desire in the face of divine power. Overall, the painting conveys a narrative of shame, revelation, and the potential for punishment stemming from forbidden love.