Diana and Actaeon
Titian, c.1556-1559
This work, with its pendant Diana and Callisto, is one of the most celebrated and admired paintings in the European tradition.
It has influenced the work of generations of high-profile artists, from Velázquez and Rubens to Turner and Constable down to Lucian Freud today.
The fable of Diana and Actaeon is recounted by Ovid where the young huntsman Actaeon unwittingly came upon Diana and her nymphs bathing naked. Diana exacts a terrible revenge on the innocent Actaeon by transforming him into a stag, who is then devoured by his own loyal hunting dogs.
This work was jointly acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery, London with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation.
It is a companion piece to Titian's Diana and Callisto acquired by the National Gallery and National Galleries Scotland with Art Fund help in 2012.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Diana and Actaeon, c.1556-1559
Date supported
2009
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
184.5 x 202 cm
Grant
1150000
Total cost
50000000
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