Diana with a Hound

Art Historical Context

Behold the graceful bronze statuette *Diana with a Hound* by Barthélemy Pr, crafted between 1603 and 1611 in France, likely Paris. Standing just 8-3/8 inches (21.3 cm) tall, this exquisite sculpture captures the Roman goddess of the hunt in mid-stride, her loyal hound at her side. Prieur, a prominent Mannerist sculptor who served French royalty including Henry IV and Marie de Medici, exemplifies the elegant, elongated forms characteristic of the late Renaissance transitioning to Baroque sensibilities. Bronze, a favored medium for such small-scale works, allowed for intricate detailing and a rich patina that endures centuries. Likely produced via lost-wax casting, the piece highlights Prieur's mastery in rendering dynamic movement—the goddess's flowing drapery, poised bow, and alert dog evoke the thrill of the chase. These statuettes were prized by collectors as tabletop ornaments, blending classical mythology with French courtly taste. Diana, symbol of chastity and the wild hunt, held enduring cultural appeal in early 17th-century Europe, reflecting Renaissance humanism's revival of antiquity. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1909, this work invites visitors to appreciate how Prieur bridged artistic eras, immortalizing timeless grace in enduring metal.

About the Artist

Barthélemy Prieur · 1536–1611

French, Berzieux ca. 1536–1611 Paris