Plate 26: Actaeon Killed by His Dogs (Actaeon a proprÿs canibus discerpitur), from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' 1606

Antonio Tempesta made this print, "Actaeon Killed by His Dogs," as part of a series illustrating Ovid’s "Metamorphoses". Here, we see Actaeon, transformed into a stag, being torn apart by his own hounds. In Ovid’s tale, Actaeon’s punishment stems from his transgression of witnessing the goddess Diana bathing. This print, made in Italy, reflects the 16th and 17th-century fascination with classical mythology. Yet, it also speaks to the social structures of the time. Hunting, depicted here, was an aristocratic pastime, governed by strict rules and social hierarchies. Tempesta’s detailed rendering of the hunt and its tragic outcome invites us to consider the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the consequences of violating social and divine boundaries. As art historians, we delve into period literature, social histories, and iconographic studies to understand the nuances of such works. The meaning of art lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but in its dialogue with the cultural context that produced it.