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
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