Sarcophagus Illustrating the Story of Acteon c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have a print depicting a sarcophagus, “Sarcophagus Illustrating the Story of Acteon,” by Gaetano Bonatti. It's part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the sheer chaos rendered with such elegant lines. It's a beautiful frenzy! Curator: The artwork tells Ovid’s story of Acteon, who was transformed into a stag after seeing Diana bathing, and then hunted down by his own hounds. This particular interpretation, however, reflects the eighteenth-century’s fascination with classical antiquity. Editor: There is such raw energy, a feeling of being overwhelmed by the brutality of fate, yet, it’s contained within the neat confines of a classical design. It’s almost…comforting? Curator: I find that the printmaking style, itself, serves to distance us from the violence, placing it firmly within a historical and aesthetic context. Editor: It’s as if Bonatti wants us to admire the drama, the story, and perhaps not dwell too much on the unfortunate Acteon. A neat trick, wouldn't you say?