Rechthoekige spiegel met Diana en Acteon c. 1660 - 1670

Jean Lepautre etched this rectangular mirror with Diana and Acteon. The mirror depicts the mythological scene of Actaeon, who, after accidentally seeing Diana bathing, is transformed into a stag and hunted by his own hounds. Diana, the goddess of the hunt, represents chastity and the wild, untamed aspects of nature, while Actaeon symbolizes the tragic consequences of transgression. This scene is reminiscent of other myths, like that of Orpheus, torn apart for witnessing what he should not. The metamorphosis motif is a powerful symbol found throughout art history, from Ovid to Kafka. Here, the metamorphosis carries a profound psychological weight, evoking themes of transformation, punishment, and the loss of identity. The image speaks to our collective subconscious fear of losing control, of being consumed by forces beyond our understanding. This symbol transcends time, resurfacing in various forms, each reflecting the anxieties and cultural nuances of its era.