Diana turning Actaeon into a stag 1500 - 1510

Giovanni Battista Palumba's engraving "Diana turning Actaeon into a stag" depicts the Greek myth of the hunter Actaeon who, upon stumbling upon the goddess Diana and her nymphs bathing, is transformed into a stag by the enraged goddess, eventually hunted and killed by his own hounds. The image shows the moment of Actaeon's transformation, his head sprouting antlers as he flees the enraged goddess, the detail of the dense forest background reinforces the sense of fear and isolation. This artwork showcases Palumba's skill in rendering detail and capturing dramatic narratives, typical of the High Renaissance art style.