Diana and Her Nymphs on the Hunt

Peter Paul Rubens

1627–1628

Oil on canvas, Oil, Canvas

J. Paul Getty Museum

A group of figures, including women and a satyr, are depicted in a landscape with dogs. A rainbow is visible in the sky. The robust figure of Diana strides into the foreground, swathed in a blood-red robe and clasping a spear behind her back. Much activity surrounds her: a dog jumps up at her side and a satyr tries to steal a kiss from one of her nymphs as another figure shouts behind him. The rhythmic composition, colors, and textures create a lifelike sensuousness, demonstrating the Flemish painter's mastery of Venetian color and his study of Roman art. Peter Paul Rubens ran a prolific workshop and was able to meet the demand for his pictures by using assistants extensively. Images like this one were designed by Rubens, painted by the assistants, an