Who painted Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes?

Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes was painted by Jacob de Wit in 1727.

Where can I see Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes?

Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes?

Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes

Jacob de Wit , 1727

Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes is a drawing by the Baroque artist Jacob de Wit. It dates from 1727 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacob de Wit’s 1727 drawing, titled *Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes*, presents a mythological scene rendered in a quick, gestural hand.

Jacob de Wit’s 1727 drawing, titled *Bust of Diana with Putti and Hunting Attributes*, presents a mythological scene rendered in a quick, gestural hand. The composition centers on a female figure, rendered with a smooth, sculptural visage, holding a shield that bears a bow and arrows. Flanking her are three cherubic figures—two upright and one crawling—engaged in various gestures that animate the study.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, identified by her martial accessories and the presence of putti, which were often used to underscore themes of innocence and divine favor. The inclusion of the children, one pointing upward and another clutching a scroll, suggests a narrative of guidance and the transmission of knowledge associated with the goddess’s protective role.

Technique & Style

Executed on light paper, the drawing combines soft, fading lines with more pronounced strokes, creating a sense of immediacy. De Wit’s approach is loose, emphasizing the overall form over fine detail, a method typical of preparatory sketches. The contrast between delicate shading and rougher contours highlights the artist’s interest in capturing movement and expression swiftly.

History & Provenance

Created by the Dutch painter and interior decorator Jacob de Wit, who is better known for his religious compositions, the drawing entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader interest in 18th‑century European drawings that illustrate the crossover between decorative art and mythological subject matter.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacob de Wit

Jacob de Wit (19 December 1695 – 12 November 1754) was a Dutch painter and interior decorator. He is best known for his depictions of religious scenes.