Diana And Actaeon, Attributed To Franck Wouters, 17th Century

Diana and Actaeon, oil on wood, dimensions 37 cm x 30 cm, with its beautiful frame 51 cm x 44 cm, attributed to Franck Wouters (1612-1659). This mythological scene illustrates the famous episode from Ovid's Metamorphoses: the hunter Actaeon, having surprised the goddess Diana and her nymphs bathing, is punished for his indiscretion. Transformed into a stag, he is devoured by his own hounds. The painter captures the moment of discovery in a sunlit woodland landscape, where dramatic tension simmers beneath an apparent harmony. In the foreground, Diana, surrounded by her attendants, all partially undressed, is caught in a moment of intimacy. Actaeon, wearing a red cloak, appears on the left, drawn to the scene. The background reveals a fountain and a statue, classical elements that reinforce the pastoral and sacred atmosphere. The composition is dynamic, the gestures expressive, and the treatment of flesh delicate, typical of 17th-century Flemish painting. Frans Wouters, an Antwerp painter trained by Rubens, is known for his small-format works on mythological and religious subjects, often executed on wood. A collaborator of Jan Brueghel the Younger, he excelled in cabinet scenes, where elegant figures mingle with refined landscapes. This painting, by its size, its luminous palette, and the finesse of its drawing, belongs to the tradition of Flemish painters influenced by Rubens and Brueghel. The treatment of the foliage, the fluidity of the drapery, and the controlled sensuality of the female figures are characteristic of Wouters' art. The antique frame, richly carved and gilded, elegantly complements the work. Its generous dimensions (51 × 44 cm) enhance the scene while emphasizing its precious and intimate character.