Edward McCartan - Goddess of the Hunt Diana

Radiant Presence of the Goddess of the Hunt - “Diana and Hound” - Signed Edward McCartan 

This refined Statue of Goddess Diana, created by the celebrated American sculptor Edward McCartan, captures the timeless elegance of the Roman Goddess of the Hunt Diana accompanied by her loyal hound. The slender figure advances with effortless grace, her body poised in a gentle stride that conveys both power and serenity. The polished bronze surface highlights the play of light across her limbs, while the alert hound mirrors her quiet intensity. Every line of this bronze sculpture evokes the stillness of a moonlit forest and the eternal rhythm of nature. The viewer senses the mythic aura of a goddess who rules the wilderness and protects the creatures within it.

Inspiration from Ancient Mythology

In Roman tradition, the Goddess of the Hunt Diana embodies independence, chastity, and the untamed beauty of the natural world. This Statue of Goddess Diana reflects those qualities through a harmonious balance of strength and grace. Her confident stride, the hunting spear in hand, and the hound at her side express mastery of both forest and night sky. McCartan understood that Diana—Artemis in Greek myth—symbolizes the eternal connection between humanity and the wild. By rendering her unclothed yet dignified, he affirms her sovereignty and self-possession, far removed from mortal vulnerability.

Masterful Craft of Edward McCartan

Born on August 16, 1879, in Albany, New York, Edward McCartan studied at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League of New York before refining his technique in Paris. His early exposure to Beaux-Arts traditions and the Art Nouveau movement shaped his preference for elegant lines and lyrical forms. McCartan became renowned for decorative bronzes that merged classical subjects with a modern sensibility, and his 1923–1924 version of Diana remains his signature achievement. The Statue of Goddess Diana presented here was cast using the ancient lost-wax method, ensuring every subtle detail—from the flowing hair to the taut muscles of the hound—retains the freshness of the artist’s hand.

Life and Artistic Legacy

Throughout his career, Edward McCartan blended American craftsmanship with European sophistication. The son of Irish immigrants, he brought a cosmopolitan vision to the American art scene of the early twentieth century. As director of sculpture at the Roman Bronze Works in New York, he influenced a generation of young artists and helped define the nation’s decorative art style. His works, including the celebrated Goddess of the Hunt Diana, bridge the gap between classical mythology and the Art Deco era, revealing a fascination with both timeless beauty and contemporary elegance.

Enduring Presence in Museums and Collections

Today, admirers can view Edward McCartan bronzes in prominent institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Newark Museum of Art. Variations of his Statue of Goddess Diana grace both public gardens and private collections, where their combination of refinement and mythic power continues to captivate audiences. The sculpture’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the ancient forest while resonating with modern ideals of feminine strength and independence.

A Timeless Bronze Masterpiece

This exquisite bronze sculpture is far more than a decorative object; it is a testament to the creative spirit of Edward McCartan and to the eternal symbolism of the Goddess of the Hunt Diana. Whether displayed as an interior focal point or as an elegant outdoor statement, this Statue of Goddess Diana embodies the perfect union of classical mythology and American artistry. The poised figure and faithful hound invite contemplation of the natural world and the divine feminine, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any serious art collection.

Height: 32 cm
Width: 19 cm
Depth: 10.5 cm
Weight: 2,7 kg
100% bronze