Actaeon door zijn honden verscheurd 1733

This etching, "Actaeon door zijn honden verscheurd" (Actaeon Torn Apart by His Hounds) by Bernard Picart, portrays the tragic Greek myth of Actaeon. Picart, a Dutch artist known for his intricate engravings, depicts the moment Actaeon, a hunter, is attacked and killed by his own hounds after he accidentally stumbled upon the goddess Diana bathing. The scene is set in a wooded landscape, with the frantic dogs tearing at Actaeon's body in a flurry of motion. The intricate details of the engraving capture the horror and violence of the myth, highlighting the consequences of hubris and the power of the divine. This print, dated 1733, is a masterful example of Picart's skill as a draftsman and his ability to translate the power of classical mythology into an engaging visual narrative.