Diana and Actaeon 

Cornelis van Poelenburch created this drawing depicting Diana and Actaeon, likely in the Netherlands, during the first half of the 17th century. It shows a story taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses, a popular source of imagery for artists at this time. Here, we see the goddess Diana and her nymphs surprised by the hunter Actaeon. As punishment for his intrusion, Diana transforms him into a stag, later to be hunted down by his own dogs. The themes of transgression and punishment speak to ideas around social order. What are the consequences of violating sacred boundaries? In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, we can see the growing prominence of mythological subjects as a means to explore social and moral questions. It is important to note that the Dutch Republic was also experiencing great economic expansion during this time, which led to new forms of social mobility and cultural exchange. To fully understand this drawing, one might look at the history of mythological painting in the Netherlands, the influence of classical literature on Dutch culture, and the role of art in shaping social values. The history of an image always depends on its context.