Art Funded by you

Study for 'Diana and Actaeon'

Thomas Gainsborough, c. 1784–1786

This is taken from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' which describes the hunter Actaeon inadvertently happening upon the goddess Diana bathing with her nymphs. Enraged that a mortal has seen her naked, Diana throws water at Actaeon, transforming him into a stag, which is subsequently devoured by his hunting hounds. This is the earliest of three surviving studies for the work in the Royal Collection.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Study for 'Diana and Actaeon', c. 1784–1786

Date supported

1996

Medium and material

Black & white chalk with grey & grey-black washes & gouache on buff paper

Dimensions

27.4 x 36.4 cm

Grant

31000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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