Diana and Actaeon
by VANVITELLI, Luigi, Marble, over life-size
Luigi Vanvitelli designed simultaneously the palace and the gardens of Caserta for Charles III Bourbon. The fountains which he planned for either side of the waterfall were to illustrate ancient myths related to the theme of water. By 1773, when he died, none of them had been carried out. His son, Carlo, succeeded him, but finances were much reduced and only the Diana and Actaeon group conforms to the preliminary studies. Though executed by second-rate sculptors who drew inspiration directly from Hellenistic models, they nevertheless form a charming and animated ensemble.