Hans Rottenhammer: Diana and Actaeon (1596-1606)

(The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, USA)

A painting by the German artist Hans Rottenhammer (1564 – 1625). This painting shows a scene from Greek/ Roman mythology as told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. According to the story, the hunter Actaeon stumbled upon Diana (or Artemis in Greek mythology), goddess of the hunt, together with her maidens as they were enjoying a bath. Angry about this intrusion, Diana splashes water upon Actaeon who is transformed into a deer. Robbed of his ability to speak, Actaeon is killed by his own hounds. Painting from 1596-1606.