Annual Review 2011-12 - National Galleries of Scotland

The National
Galleries of Scotland
strives to enhance
the nation’s collection
of fine art through
its acquisitions
programme. It is
funded by an annual
grant from the
Scottish Government
which is supplemen ted
from other sources
including private
benefactors, trust
funds and the
Art Fund.
Building Great Collections
A full list of acquisitions for
2011-12 is available on the National
Galleries of Scotland website
www. nationalgalleries.org.
Opposite Detail from Rome from Monte
Mario by Joseph Mallord William Turner
Diana and Callisto, 1556–9
by Titian (c.1485/90–1576)
Oil on canvas, 187 x 204.5cm
Purchased jointly with the National Gallery,
London, with generous support from the
Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund,
The Monument Trust, the Patrons of the
National Galleries of Scotland and through
private appeals and bequests, 2012
Following the account in the ancient
writer Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Titian here
shows the exposure of the pregnancy of
the unfortunate nymph Callisto, who
had been seduced by Jupiter against her
will. With a commanding gesture, the
goddess Diana expels Callisto from her
chaste company, condemning her to a
life of misery until Jupiter eventually
took pity on her and immortalised her as
the constellation of the Great Bear. The
painting formed part of a highly important
series supplied by Titian over a ten
year period to the Spanish king Philip II,
his most important patron during the
latter part of his career. This is the
outstanding acquisition of the year for
NGS, successfully completing the twopart
deal which saw the painting’s pair,
Diana and Actaeon, acquired in 2009,
again jointly with the National Gallery
in London. The arrangement secures
the continuation of the incomparable
Bridgewater loan of old master paintings
to NGS until at least 2030.
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