Diana and Actaeon

Mythological photogravure of Diana and Actaeon.

One day a young prince named Actaeon was hunting on Mount Citheron with his friends. Wandering off alone, he accidentally came upon Diana, bathing nude in a stream attended by her nymphs. Enraged by this invasion of her privacy and unable to reach her bow and arrow, Diana splashed water into Actaeon’s face, instantly turning him into a stag. Not recognizing their master, Actaeon’s dogs chased and devoured him, cheered on by the other huntsmen. Only with Actaeon’s death was Diana’s wrath appeased.