Diana And Actaeon Essay

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Diana and Actaeon is part of Titian’s “poesie” and contributes to a set of history paintings that portray subjects in an imaginative way. Rather than simply copy nature or provide a story, Titian delivers a representation filled with expression, filled with allusion. Though small details and items often possess symbolic connotations, Titian seems to include various degrees of detail to develop a foreshadowing effect (the stag head, the hunting scene, the various reflective surfaces, etc). He even forms an explicit connection between Diana and the Goddess Fortuna to suggest Actaeon’s unavoidable fate (Tanner 535-550). Titian also characterizes Diana by exploiting her relationship to the moon as a means towards representing her duality. And through
Through precise characterization and the inclusion of foreshadowing devices, Titian builds his own interpretation: a representation with expression and passion. However, how does Titian establish his overall aura? Through the use of color, Titian continues to deliver narrative detail: “the great swathe of drapery in carmine red, pulled hastily off the line by an ambitious nymph… draws the eye across from the vermillion lining of his buskins to the deeper red of Diana's discarded dress, reminding us that his bloody hide will soon be strung up [too]…” (Paintings in Depth: Diana and Actaeon). His color choice and composition pulls the eye around the painting in the manner he desires- leaving the viewer in a state of alarm yet simultaneous interest. For red communicates blood/violence yet also passion. “The mood in [Titian’s later work] is more fiery, the colours deeper and more closely interrelated and the execution more summary” (Gould). The color only further summarizes the intensity and duality of the narrative –intrigue exists alongside terror. The crimson red clashes against the bright blue sky. Titian harnesses color to further his thematic

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