Diana and Actaeon

This drawing is a study for the only subject from classical mythology Gainsborough is known to have painted. It depicts the story of the hunter Actaeon, who inadvertently sees the goddess Diana bathing with her nymphs in a forest pool. To punish this violation, she splashes him with water, turning him into a stag, who is then torn apart by his own hounds. Gainsborough depicts the moment of transformation, when Diana moves toward Actaeon. He tries to cover his face, but too late—the horns have already sprouted from his head (2022).