Selene

Selene by Ferdinand Keller

Description: "Selene" by Ferdinand Keller is a captivating depiction of the Greek goddess Selene, the personification of the moon. Created in the late 19th century, this painting reflects Keller's interest in mythological subjects and his ability to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty and mystery. The composition shows Selene floating gracefully in the night sky, her figure enveloped in diaphanous robes that seem to blend with the soft, glowing light of the moon. Her serene expression and elegant pose suggest both divinity and a dreamlike presence, as she gazes downward, casting a gentle light over the landscape below. Keller uses a delicate palette of cool blues, silvers, and whites to create a sense of calm and stillness, capturing the celestial atmosphere of the scene.

The moon itself, painted with luminous whites and pale yellows, serves as both a backdrop and a source of light, illuminating Selene and emphasizing her connection to the heavens. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow enhances the painting's mystical quality, creating a contrast between the goddess and the darker night sky. Keller's work demonstrates his Romantic sensibility, blending classical mythology with a poetic interpretation that conveys both the beauty and the timeless mystery of the moon.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Germany, late 19th century.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Selene.
• Artwork Style: Romanticism.
• Subject/Topic: A mythological representation of Selene, the goddess of the moon, depicted floating in the night sky, capturing the ethereal beauty and mystery of the celestial.