DIANA WITH DEER

The symbolism

The sculpture's symbolism depicts Diana as the huntress goddess with the stag, a clear reference to classical mythology. However, closer inspection reveals subtle shifts in the artist's symbolic meaning. Diana is not, as in classical depictions, the active huntress drawing her bow and bringing down her prey, but rather she is in a state of repose. The stag, seemingly unharmed, is also shown lying on the ground. In this way, the artist creates a peaceful scene. To further emphasize this sentiment, Diana's left hand rests almost caressingly on the stag's back. Thus, the roles of hunter and prey are dissolved, and both appear united. Even the arrow used for killing is broken, rendering it obsolete. Diana, the huntress goddess, has become a peaceful figure, and her introspective gaze suggests a paused, contemplative state of mind.

The artist explains what he wants to express with the broken arrow in Diana's hand – the strongest irritating symbol in the work – that the arrow (also as a symbol of love, as with Cupid) in its broken form represents the disharmonious, fractured relationship of modern man to nature.

Overall, the drama of the hunt is completely absent from the sculpture. It exudes an almost meditative calm.