Diana

The bold chiaroscuro and high finish achieved with brush and body-colour in this drawing are often found in the work of Northern artists of last quarter of the sixteenth century. The exact mythological subject of the composition, given in an old inscription, is also enigmatic. From the attributes of the crescent moon in her hair and her huntress's bow we may recognise the goddess Diana. Vowed to celibacy, she appears to spurn a suitor, whilst Cupid symbolically breaks his bow.