Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Diana a la Biche explained
This chapter describes the sculpture known as the Diana of the Hind, located in the palace of the Louvre.
What happens
This chapter describes the sculpture known as the Diana of the Hind, located in the palace of the Louvre. It compares the statue to the Apollo Belvedere, noting similarities in attitude, size, and execution, though it is considered inferior to the Apollo. The statue depicts Diana as a huntress in eager motion, with her left hand over the forehead of a hind running beside her and her right arm reaching back to draw an arrow from her quiver.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Diana as a huntress embodies the heroic pursuit of the chase, a theme of quest and action.
Characters to notice
- Diana
Depicted as a huntress in the sculpture, shown in eager motion with a hind by her side.
Key passages
“The Diana a la Biche The Diana of the Hind, in the palace of the Louvre, may be considered the counterpart to the Apollo Belvedere.”
The Diana of the Hind statue in the Louvre is seen as the female equivalent of the Apollo Belvedere.
Establishes the comparison between the two famous sculptures.
“The attitude is that of hurried and eager motion, the face that of a huntress in the excitement of the chase.”
The pose suggests rapid, eager movement, and her expression shows the thrill of hunting.
Describes the dynamic and emotional quality of the statue.