Diana and Actaeon
circa 1600
Jan Brueghel the Elder captures the exact moment of mythological disaster in this lush forest scene. The goddess Diana and her nymphs are enjoying a private bath when their peace is shattered, sending them into a panic of scrambling limbs and dropped drapery. If you look closely at the bottom right, a hunting dog hints at the tragic fate of Actaeon, the hunter who stumbled upon them and was promptly turned into a stag to be torn apart by his own hounds. Brueghel's incredible attention to the surrounding foliage and textures makes this ancient drama feel surprisingly intimate and real.
- Technique
- Oil on copper
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