The Race Between Hippomenes and Atalanta (French: La Course d'Hippomène et d'Atalante) is a 1765 history painting by the French artist Noël Hallé. Spieth p.31 Bailey p. 236 Inspired by a story from Ovid's Metamorphoses, it depicts the foot race between Hippomenes and Atalanta. The famously fast Atalanta suggested they only the suitor who could outrun her was fit to marry her, those who lost would be put to death. With the assistance of Venus who sent golden apples to distract her, Hippomenes was able to defeat Atalanta.
The work was originally commissioned by Marquis of Marigny, the director general of the Ministry of Works, as the basis for a tapestry made by Gobelins Manufactory.Louvre
It was displayed at the Salon of 1765 held at the Louvre, in Paris. Today the painting is part of the permanent collection of the Louvre.Joconde (French)
References
Bibliography Bailey, Colin B. The Age of Watteau, Chardin, and Fragonard: Masterpieces of French Genre Painting. Yale University Press, 2003. Spieth, Darius A. Napoleon's Sorcerers: The Sophisians. University of Delaware Press, 2007.