“Diana and Actaeon” is an oil on wood painting created circa 1518 by Lucas Cranach the Elder in Germany. This artwork belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and measures 50 by 73 centimeters. The painting, categorized as a mythological genre, is housed at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, United States.
The artwork depicts the mythological story of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, and Actaeon, a hunter who stumbled upon Diana and her nymphs bathing. In the scene, the nymphs are depicted nude, arranged informally in a pool surrounded by lush greenery, with Diana standing amongst them. Actaeon, who has been transformed into a stag as punishment for his intrusion, is seen to the left being attacked by his own hunting dogs. The background features a wooded landscape and a castle atop a cliff, contributing to the depth and mythic ambiance of the scene. The composition and attention to detail reflect the artistic characteristics of the Northern Renaissance, emphasizing realism and human expression in vibrant, naturalistic surroundings.
