An Italian maiolica istoriato dish with Diana and Actaeon, Urbino, ca. 1550

Dia.: 30,5 cm

The base inscribed 'Ateon', referring to the frontal depiction of the mythological episode of Actaeon being transformed into a stag.

On the right, in the waters of a spring protected by a rocky arch, Diana and her companions are surprised while bathing. This event would determine the ruin of the young Actaeon, here depicted on the left while changing into a deer amid the barking of dogs ready to attack him.

The inspiration possibly comes from an engraving by the French Etienne Delaune (ca. 1518-1583). (see image 3, courtesy of the Louvre, Paris) (link)

__PRESENT