Actaeon, Changed into a Stag, Attacked by One of His Own Hounds 1771 - 1800

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo rendered this drawing of Actaeon with pen and brown wash. We see the tragic hero Actaeon, recognizable by his stag antlers, being attacked by one of his own hounds. Actaeon’s transformation and subsequent demise is heavy with symbolic weight. The motif of transformation, especially into an animal form, is a recurring theme in mythology, often representing a loss of control, a descent into primal instincts, or a punishment for transgression. Consider, for instance, the myth of Lycaon, transformed into a wolf for his impiety. The dog, a symbol of loyalty, here turns on its master, highlighting themes of betrayal and the unpredictable nature of fate. Such images touch on deep-seated fears and anxieties about identity, control, and the consequences of violating sacred boundaries, tapping into our collective unconscious. The intensity of Actaeon’s agony is palpable.