Diana c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Henri Bellange's "Diana," a watercolor artwork at the Harvard Art Museums. The neutral palette makes it feel like a memory, a preserved moment. What visual cues can you share about its cultural meaning? Curator: Look at the crescent moon adorning Diana's head. It’s an ancient symbol linking her to Selene, the moon goddess, and carries associations of the night, wilderness, and feminine power. Does that resonate with your reading of it? Editor: Yes, that connection deepens my understanding. I see a powerful, self-possessed woman, not just a hunter. Curator: Indeed, the symbols invite layers of interpretation beyond the literal. It’s through these enduring images that cultural memory is sustained. Editor: It's amazing how much history can be packed into a single image. Thank you for clarifying the layers of meaning.