TITIAN: Diana and Actaeon, 1556
Source: National Museum Cardiff
The extraordinary work is jointly owned between the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery of London. The painting was acquired for the nation in 2009 for £50 million made possible with the generous contributions from private and public donors.
'Diana and Actaeon' is one of six large-scale mythologies inspired by the Roman poet Ovid, which Titian painted for King Philip II of Spain. Titian began the picture and its companion ‘Diana and Callisto’ (which was last month purchased for the nation after a £45 million deal was agreed with its owner, the Duke of Sutherland) in 1556, the year of Philip’s coronation. Titian worked for three years to perfect these masterpieces, which were shipped to Spain in 1559. He claimed their lengthy genesis was due to the relentless pains he took to make sumptuous works of art worthy of the king.
"We are delighted to be hosting such an important and beautiful painting here in Cardiff", said Anne Pritchard, Assistant Curator of Historic Art, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. "It is a true masterpiece! Titian’s ‘Diana and Actaeon’ is probably the UK’s most significant public purchase of art in recent years and it’s a unique opportunity for people to come and see it up close. It will be a fine complement to the historic art collection during its stay here at National Museum Cardiff."