Diana
1863
Friedrich Sturm captures the Roman goddess of the hunt taking a well-deserved break in this lush 1863 academic painting. Diana, easily spotted by her crescent moon crown and quiver of arrows, reclines gracefully in the forest, her sheer blue drapery slipping away as she rests her chin on her hand. Behind her, two loyal hunting dogs keep watch, their alert expressions contrasting with the goddess's serene, almost dreamy gaze. This piece is a perfect example of 19th-century academic art, which loved to mix classical mythology with a touch of romantic, naturalistic detail and a bit of playful nudity.