Frescoes depicting Artemis and Callisto at the Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy

Artemis, Stabiae, Villa Arianna

Artemis fresco, Stabiae, Villa Arianna, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Artemis Fresco - Water-based pigments on coating (37 x 27 cm) 1-45 AD

Diana was originally a Latin goddess who protected women and health.

Diana was later assimilated with Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and the wild natural world, and twin sister of Apollo.

Artemis appears here against a plain azure blue background that contrasts with the golden yellow of her long tunic in the Hellenic style of the classical age; this elegant garment had come back into fashion during the reign of Augustus.

Artemis is barefoot on a ground represented by a few lines, her face serene as she calmly draws her bow to kill those who dare to defy her or disrespect her divine person.

Artemis took revenge through premature deaths or the sacrifice of a loved one, as was the case with King Admetus.

Artemis and the nymph Callisto, Pompeii, House of Cornelius Diadumenus

Fresco - Water-based pigments on coating (107 x 90 cm) 45–79 AD

Artemis and Callisto This fresco depicts the fateful moment when Artemis-Diana discovers Callisto's pregnancy, immediately forcing her to leave her retinue, which consists solely of virgins like herself.

Callisto, seen from behind on the left, holds two spears in her left hand and wears leather hunting boots.

She stands facing three young girls who are holding their clothes close to them, while Artemis sits like a queen judging her, pushing her away with a gesture of her hand, despite the presence of little Eros, who implores her mercy by showing her his little arrow.

According to Ovid, Callisto was a young and pretty disciple of Artemis.

Zeus fell passionately in love with her and managed to approach her to seduce her by pretending to be Artemis:

Artemis

“he nymph was preparing to tell him in which forest she had been hunting; he stopped her, holding her tightly in his arms, and revealed himself through a crime. She resisted as much as a woman could.”

Artemis had not noticed anything until the day she suggested to her companions that they undress for a refreshing swim:

“Only one hesitates; while she hesitates, her dress is unfastened; the dress is thrown aside, her body is exposed, and her sin is laid bare for all to see...

Far from here, said the goddess of Cynthe, do not defile this sacred spring. And she drove her from the group she loved so dearly.”

Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book II, 420-447

Artemis

Artemis, Pompeii, Insula Occidentalis