Diana and Actaeon

Diana and Actaeon

The painting of Diana and Acteon is considered to be one of Titian's greatest works that he’s produced. After initially viewing the painting, Actaeon dropped his bow in shock with arrows strapped on his back. I infer that this led to the Death of Actaeon and the skull stag symbolizes the death which awaits him. The scene painted illustrates the moment Actaeon walks in on the goddess Diana. The nymphs around her are bathing her and are visually shocked by Actaeon's presence. Diana has a crown on with a moon on top of it. The moon is very important because Diana is the goddess of the Moon. There is a nymph drying her feet off while there is a black woman behind her that appears to be a maid. She is sitting on top of a red cloth very disturbed. At her feet, a dog is in a very aggressive position that a guard dog would be in if an intruder were to break in. Clothing is kept to a minimum adding to the bathroom scene.
The painting has bounced around between the National Gallery in London and the National Gallery in Scotland. The rotation takes place every five years and currently resides at the London’s National Gallery of Art. They acquired it from the Bridgewater Collection for approximately 70.6 million dollars. This painting was commissioned by King Phillip II of Spain and was one of seven mythological paintings.

Titian

“A Discussion of Diana and Actaeon by Titian.” TripImprover, www.tripimprover.com/blog/diana-and-actaeon-by-titian.

Titian. “Titian: Diana and Actaeon: NG6611: National Gallery, London.” The National Gallery, 1 Sept. 1556, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-diana-and-actaeon

1556-1559

Ryan Smith

Titian. “Titian: Diana and Actaeon: NG6611: National Gallery, London.” The National Gallery, 1 Sept. 1556, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-diana-and-actaeon.

185 cm x 202 cm

Oil on canvas painting

National Gallery, London