Standbeeld van Diana 1636 - 1647

This print shows a statue of Diana and was made by Joan Comin. Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, is shown here with a dog, a symbol of her association with wild animals. Images of classical sculptures such as this one were often made to disseminate knowledge of classical art to a wider audience. During the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, the study of classical art and culture was seen as essential for the education of artists and intellectuals. Prints like this allowed people to study classical art even if they couldn't travel to see the sculptures themselves. The institutional history of academies of art and their influence on artistic production would be a useful place to start further research on this image. By looking at prints like this, we can better understand the role that classical art played in shaping European culture and identity.