Gaspare Diziani – Dawn Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a turbulent sky, dominated by swirling clouds rendered in shades of grey, blue, and hints of pink. A central female figure, presumably personifying a celestial entity, occupies the foreground. She is draped in flowing yellow fabric, adorned with a wreath of leaves, and possesses wings suggesting her divine nature. Her posture is dynamic; she gestures upwards with one arm, as if drawing back a curtain or revealing something beyond the visible realm. The other arm rests upon what appears to be a cloud formation.
Surrounding this central figure are several cherubic figures. To the left, three putti engage in playful activities: one carries a basket overflowing with flowers and foliage, while the others seem to be gathering blossoms. On the right, another putto holds aloft a large horn or trumpet, seemingly announcing the arrival of the dawn. A single bird is depicted in flight near this figure, adding to the sense of movement and awakening.
The lighting within the painting is dramatic, with a bright source illuminating the central female figure and highlighting her features. This contrasts with the darker tones of the surrounding clouds, creating depth and emphasizing the ethereal quality of the scene. The artist’s use of color contributes to this effect; the warm yellows and pinks associated with the figures are set against the cooler blues and greys of the sky.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of transition and revelation. The act of drawing back the curtain suggests an unveiling or a moment of epiphany. The cherubic figures’ playful interaction with nature hints at themes of fertility, abundance, and the joys of existence. The horn held aloft implies a heraldic announcement – perhaps signaling the arrival of a new era or the triumph of light over darkness. Overall, the work evokes a feeling of hope, renewal, and the beauty inherent in natural cycles.