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Portrait of a Woman as Diana by Jean-Marc Nattier

Jean-Marc Nattier · 1752-01-01

This striking 1752 painting, "Portrait of a Woman as Diana" by Jean-Marc Nattier, at The Cleveland Museum of Art, holds a charming secret in plain sight. Nattier was famous for painting aristocratic women of Louis XV's court in mythological guises, a popular trend in Rococo France.

The sitter is depicted as Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, identified by her bow and the animal pelt draped across her lap. However, the most subtle clue to her divine identity is found in a tiny ornament: a crescent moon tucked into her elaborate, powdered coiffure.

This small detail elevates the portrait beyond a simple likeness, transforming the woman into a classical deity. Nattier's masterful blend of contemporary portraiture and allegorical storytelling made him a highly sought-after artist during his time.

Once you spot the crescent, it's impossible to unsee, revealing a playful depth to this beautiful work. What other hidden symbols might be in plain sight?

Details

French painter Nattier specialised in such mythological portraits.
French painter Nattier specialised in such mythological portraits.
She is the Roman goddess Diana, goddess of the hunt.
She is the Roman goddess Diana, goddess of the hunt.
But her real identity lies in a tiny detail.
But her real identity lies in a tiny detail.
Look closely at her powdered coiffure.
Look closely at her powdered coiffure.
The eyes make sustained contact across 270 years; this is where the portrait lives or dies, and they hold their own.
The eyes make sustained contact across 270 years; this is where the portrait lives or dies, and they hold their own.
Transcript

This elegant woman of 1752 has a secret identity. French painter Nattier specialised in such mythological portraits. She is the Roman goddess Diana, goddess of the hunt. But her real identity lies in a tiny detail. Look closely at her powdered coiffure. There, a small crescent moon, Diana's ancient symbol.