Titian's Diana and Actaeon analysis

The stag skull may be a reference to the fate of Actaeon after this scene occurs, where he is transformed into a stag upon unlawfully vieweing Diana naked.

Ovid's narrative poem describes the forest as "dense with pine trees and the pointed cypress," which is in line with Titian's depiction of the fatal encounter."

The depiction of the nude nymphs, however there are only 5 corporeal nymphs in Ovid's Metamorphoses compared to the six shown in Titian's painting.

Actaeon's astonished positioning accurately depicts the line stating that his "... steps uncertain wandered..." as he happens upon the naked nymphs.

Diana herself is depicted unarmed, shielded by her nymphs as Actaeon gazes upon her, however unlike the original text she is still seated as she stares back upon the hunter. The pool of water before her would presumably be utilized to punish Actaeon for gazing upon her nude body after this scene passes.

The sunken fountain shown in the painting is out of step with the text stating that a "...limpid fountain ran..." (eve and that the Sylvan goddess bathed in the "crystal pool," shown in the water's reflective nature