Aug 29, 2019
Damon and Musidora, from Thomson’s Seasons - Summer (c.1788-1802). John Opie (English, 1761-1807). Oil on canvas. Petworth House.
This picture illustrates a scene from the poet James Thompson’s ‘Seasons’ of 1730. Damon is sitting by a stream when his love Musidora appears, thinking she is alone, she proceeds to undress in order to bathe. The scene is derived from ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ by the Ancient poet, Longus, but in that instance, it was Chloe who spies her love Daphnis preparing to bathe. The scene is a test of Damon’s fidelity and love.
