Diana the Huntress French School, circa 1820–1830

Oil on canvas
78 × 68 cm

An unusual and romantic French Restauration-period painting depicting Diana, goddess of the hunt, seated pensively beneath an ivy-clad tree in an idealised wooded landscape. Dressed in classical robes, she is accompanied by her faithful hound, with her bow and quiver resting beside her.

Of particular interest is the French motto inscribed upon the tree, “Je meurs où je m’attache” — “I die where I attach myself.” Traditionally associated with ivy, the phrase symbolises constancy, fidelity and enduring love, reflecting the belief that ivy cannot be separated from that to which it clings without perishing.

The combination of Diana’s classical attributes with this romantic inscription lends the composition an intriguing allegorical quality, characteristic of French decorative painting during the Restauration period.

A closely related composition featuring a young huntress, her dog, bow and quiver, together with the same motto, is known in French Restauration-period decorative bronze work, supporting a date in the 1820s.