1582 · Szépmûvészeti Múzeum, Budapest

The story with Diana and Actaeon was a favourite with the late Mannerist painters. This is understandable, because the myth, particularly in Ovid's playful, witty and lively presentation, contains both stimulatingly erotic and shivering horror story elements and thus was perfectly suited for the contemporary spirit. In Ryckere's painting, the nymphs, interrupted in their bath and toilette, turn toward the wandering hunter who descends toward their hiding place on a staircase carved into rock.Show more