WASHINGTON DC, United States — The bronze sculpture of Diana, created by Paul Manship in 1925, is exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC. The piece depicts the Greek goddess with a bow raised, symbolizing her role in the myth of Diana and Actaeon. This work is part of a pair representing the mythological story, where Actaeon is turned into a stag by Diana.
Photograph by David Coleman. The bronze sculpture of Diana, created by renowned American sculptor Paul Manship in 1925, is a prime example of mythological representation in early 20th-century art. Displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this work portrays the goddess Diana with her bow raised, referencing the famous myth of Diana and Actaeon. The sculpture captures the moment when Diana, angered by Actaeon’s accidental intrusion while she was bathing, readies her bow to cast the punishment. In the paired sculpture, Actaeon is shown transforming into a stag, his fate sealed by the goddess. Manship skillfully conveys motion and narrative through the dynamic posture of Diana, linking both sculptures with the implied trajectory of an unseen arrow. The bronze piece stands at 49 x 43 inches and was gifted by the artist. It is located in the Luce Foundation Center on the third floor of the Smithsonian. This artwork highlights Manship’s mastery of classical themes and his contributions to the American sculptural tradition.
Size: 3953px × 5930px
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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