Portrait of the dancer Santina Olivieri, known as 'la Reggiana', as Leda – Antoine Pesne (1683-1757)

"Expertise studied, created, and signed by Dr. Arabella Cifani" Below: The painting depicts one of the most famous and celebrated divas of the 18th century in Europe: Santina Olivieri, known as 'la Reggiana', elegantly dressed with a generous décolletage. A loving swan, garlanded with flowers, approaches her suggestively. The painting alludes to the myth of Leda and the Swan, which recounts how Zeus, transforming himself into a swan, seduced Leda, wife of Tyndareus, King of Sparta, on the banks of the Eurotas River. From this union, after Leda laid eggs, were born the divine twins Pollux and Helen (whose beauty triggered the Trojan War), and the mortal twins Castor and Clytemnestra, children of Tyndareus, born from a later night when Leda lay with her husband. The myth, which explores themes of divine love, seduction, transformation, and the birth of central figures in Greek mythology, became a classic subject in Renaissance art and beyond, captivating many artists, including Leonardo. In this case, playing the role of the beautiful Leda is a very famous Italian dancer who was very active in Germany, where she became a true acclaimed diva: Santina Olivieri, known as 'la Reggiana'. We know relatively little about this dancer. Born in Reggio Emilia (hence her nickname), she married Pierantonio Gratarol (1738-1785) at the young age of twenty-two, already possessing a considerable dowry. Gratarol was an ambassador of the Serenissima at the court of Naples and soon divorced her after squandering her entire dowry. Gratarol was an adventurer with a disordered life, which led him to be later banished and sentenced to death in Venice. In 1744, she is documented as the prima ballerina for the season at the Obizzi theater in Padua, but she was active in many Italian theaters. Between 1747 and 1748, she was in Naples at the Teatro San Carlo, where she was engaged for at least 4 ballets under the direction of Gaetano Grossatesta, choreographer-impresario at the Royal Theatre San Carlo. Benedetto Croce recounts that "In November 1751, the dancer Santa Olivieri, known as 'la Reggiana', was ordered to leave Naples, as she was not employed. Fainting, etc. But here is a petition from the 'Hon. Count Giorgio Azzo Migli Orucci of Petrella Nientzlawski, noble Patrician of the Kingdom of Poland, and Free Baron of the Palatinate of Krakow'. He wanted to come to settle in Naples with his son Antonio, whom 'la Reggiana' had married in Rome. This gentleman with so many names was not given permission" (Theaters, f. 9). Nothing else is known about this episode in Olivieri's life. What is certain is that at the beginning of 1752, the woman was in Vienna and later in Berlin, where her success was such that Antonio Pesne was ordered to create her portrait, which adorned Frederick II's bedroom in Potsdam. The Italian dancer was engaged by the Berlin court theater from April 8, 1752, to May 12, 1753, and danced for the first time before the king in Potsdam on August 20, 1752. Highly admired, she was the subject of a series of portraits en rôle. Antoine Pesne portrayed 'la Reggiana' as Leda and as Cleopatra. The dancer later returned to Italy and died in Treviso on November 13, 1786. Era: Eighteenth Century; Origin: France; Dimensions: Including frame: Height 130 cm; Width 110 cm; Without frame: Height 96 cm; Width 77 cm; Condition: Excellent condition; Document: Certificate of authenticity and expertise by Dr. "Arabella Cifani"; Assistance: We are at your disposal for further clarification, information, and images; Shipping: Available throughout Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world. Competitive prices, maximum security, and complete traceability. (To be agreed privately). We wish you a good day Antichità Goglia