Diana, halvt draperet, fulgt af sin hund 1756

This is a marble sculpture made by S.C. Stanley, likely sometime in the mid-18th century. The sculpture presents Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, accompanied by her dog. The texture of the marble gives the figures a smooth, almost polished appearance, which invites a tactile response even as it remains untouchable. Formally, the sculpture employs a classical contrapposto, with Diana's weight shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic, sinuous line through her body. The draping of the fabric is strategically arranged to both reveal and conceal, adding a layer of complexity to the visual experience. The dog, positioned beside her, not only serves as a symbol of her fidelity but also provides a contrasting texture to the smooth marble of Diana's skin. The work destabilizes the traditional representation of power, typical in the baroque era, by presenting a deity in a moment of quiet companionship rather than overt authority. It encourages us to rethink the boundaries between the divine and the earthly.