The Hunt of Diana
by Domenichino, 1617
GenreMythological
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1617
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 225 cm × 320 cm (89 × 126 in)
Cite or Embed This Work
APA · MLA · Chicago1-click academic citation and embeddable “On View” museum badge for articles, syllabi, and research.
Italian painter Domenichino painted this The Hunt of Diana in 1617 for Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini. The goddess Diana and her nymphs compete in target practice and swimming after a successful hunt. The luminous landscape and graceful figures exemplify Bolognese classicism.
The painting shows Diana's companions in various states of undress, bathing and playing after the exertion of hunting. One nymph aims her bow at a distant target while others splash in a stream. The fresh colors and idealized bodies contrast with Caravaggio's dark naturalism, then dominant in Rome. Cardinal Scipione Borghese coveted the painting and acquired it for his collection. It hangs in the Borghese Gallery.
Also at Borghese Gallery, Rome
View all →
Related Works
Works that share an artist, movement, museum, genre, palette or theme with The Hunt of Diana.
- Same museum
- Same genre
Apollo and Daphne
Dosso Dossi
- Same genre
Diana
Correggio
- Same genre
Diana at the bath
Rembrandt van Rijn, 1654
- Same genre
Diana getting out of her bath
François Boucher
- Same genre
Diana Leaving the Bath
François Boucher, 1742
- Same genre
Apollo and Daphne
Nicolas Poussin
- Same genre
Diana and her Companions
Johannes Vermeer
- Same genre
Bacchus and Ariadne
Titian, 1523
- Same genre
Venus of Urbino
Titian, 1538
- Same genre
The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne
Annibale Carracci, 1602
- Same genre
Venus with a Mirror
Titian, 1555
- Same genre
The Birth of Venus
Sandro Botticelli, 1485
About The Hunt of Diana
Diana (Greek: Artemis) was the virgin goddess of the hunt. She lived in forests with her nymphs, all sworn to chastity. Actaeon famously glimpsed her bathing and was transformed into a stag.
After a successful hunt, Diana's companions compete in archery and swim in a stream. The scene shows female recreation and camaraderie in an Arcadian setting.
The painting exemplifies Bolognese classicism, which emphasized clear drawing, idealized figures, and harmonious composition. It contrasts with Caravaggio's dramatic naturalism.
Own Art Like This
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
Browse Collection