Actaeon wordt door de badende Diana in een hert veranderd 1656 - 1726

Johannes Glauber created this etching, "Actaeon wordt door de badende Diana in een hert veranderd," depicting the metamorphosis of Actaeon by the bathing Diana. Drawn sometime between 1646 and 1726, this work reflects the cultural fascination with classical mythology during the Baroque period. It represents more than just a narrative scene, it also illustrates the period’s understanding of power, transgression, and transformation. The story of Actaeon, who dared to intrude upon the goddess Diana, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of violating the sacred or challenging authority. Etchings like this one were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or institutions, reinforcing existing social hierarchies and values through art. The classical subject matter would have resonated with the educated elite, who saw themselves as heirs to the traditions of antiquity. Art historians consult archival records and literary sources to unravel the complex interplay between artistic expression and social context. Ultimately, studying art from a historical perspective allows us to understand how images shape and reflect cultural attitudes.