An allegory of peace, a preparatory study for a ceiling

Diana was first recorded in 1752 when he entered the workshop of Francesco de Mura whose dramatic compositional style and coloring strongly influenced the young artist. He was an important transitional figure between the Rococo and Neoclassical styles in late 18th-century Naples.

The present lot is characteristic of Diana's grand ceiling designs with its luscious color scheme, swirling steps of buoyant clouds and elegantly posed figures and putti. For similar works by the artist see The Apotheosis of a Hero: a modello for a ceiling decoration which came up for sale at Christie's, London, 7 December 2007, lot 218, and an Allegory in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Brest.