Diana returning from hunt by Pierre Paul Rubens

A joyful celebration of the return from the hunt, this mythological composition joins the freshness of the aquatic and terrestrial worlds with the pleasures of nature. The painter Pierre Paul Rubens stages in “Diane revenant de la chasse” the bucolic encounter between the huntress goddess and woodland deities. The work reflects the vitality of Flemish Baroque through the liveliness of the group and the richness of the game depicted.:::::In the center, the goddess Diana advances dressed in a short bright red tunic revealing her chest and athletic legs. She holds an assortment of freshly slain waterfowl in her arms while a spotted hunting dog walks beside her. On the left, a satyr crowned with ivy offers her a basket overflowing with clusters of grapes, peaches, and figs. Behind the goddess, her nymphs draped in blue and white accompany her with knowing smiles while holding hunting spears. A shady forest landscape forms the setting for this bucolic encounter under a sky softened by clouds. Bright light highlights the vibrant red drapery and the silky coat of the hound.:::::The skill of Pierre Paul Rubens shines in translating game plumage and the suppleness of female flesh tones. His masterful oil technique brings joyful spontaneity as well as striking realism to this mythological resting scene.