Antique Italian Limestone Statue of Diana the Huntress and Her Dog, C. 1890

Hand-carved from Italian limestone, circa 1890, this beautiful Neoclassical statue is a unique interpretation of the famous Diana of Versailles statue (the 1st or 2nd-century marble, which is itself a copy of a lost bronze sculpture dating to 325 BC). Our Diana stands barefoot on a two-and-a-half-inch thick square plinth, clad in a kolpos style chiton, complete with remarkable detailing presenting as pleats and folds. Diana has gathered some of the fabric in her left hand, allowing her canine companion to peer out from behind her legs. In her right hand, the goddess (Diana is her name in Roman mythology; her Greek counterpart is Artemis) clutches her ponytail near her chest. An embellished quiver of arrows, featuring fluting and sinuous lines remiscent of plantlife, is slung across her torso, tucked behind her right shoulder. This Italian limestone statue of Diana the Huntress and her dog would make a fantastic addition to any outdoor landscaping. It could also be paired with a pedestal and displayed indoors, in a grand foyer, living room, or landing.