The Story of Apollo and Diana: Diana admitting Orion in her company
Etienne Delaune French
Closely related to Luca Penni Italian
Not on view
Engraving, part of a set of six scenes illustrating the story of Apollo and Diana, created by Etienne Delaune between 1547 and 1548. This scene represents simultaneously two separate episodes from the lives of Diana and Apollo, a common feature in the prints by Delaune. In the first plane, to the left, Apollo speaks to Diana and Orion, who are about to start go hunting; to their right, Diana's nymphes carry the spears and horns. The love of Diana and Orion is represented by the small cupid that stands between them, as well as Diana's hand touching his shoulder. The celestial destiny of Orion is symbolized by the stars that adorn his belt and scabbard. In the second plane, to the left, Diana and Orion chase a doe; on the right, half-hidden among trees, is a castle. This composition is closely related to a drawing by Luca Penni.
