Recreation of a 18th century Gobelins design. The four seasons and four elements were depicted in the Ortières des Dieux, one of the Gobelins’ most popular series. Jules Mansart commissioned models for this group from Claude III Audran, who was aided by Louis de Boulogne and Michel II Corneille for the Deities and Putti. He also commissioned François Desportes for the animals. The popular theme of grotesque buildings is repeated here with a lightness and an elegance that inaugurated the French regency style. The deities of the seasons and elements float in airy structures against the plain ground, surrounded by cartouches and appropriate attributes. Here the goddess Diana is represented as a huntress. She is surrounded by hunting attributes that enliven the alentour. Two greyhounds sit to either side of the deity and birds of prey hold javelins above her head. Decorating the sides of the panel are pendants hanging from laurel branches.
