3 g Gold Italy 10 Euro 2023 Proof Fountain of Diana and Actaeon - Fountains of Italy - Fontana di Diana e Atteone

3 g Gold Italy 10 Euro 2023 Proof Fountain of Diana and Actaeon

Fontana di Diana e Atteone
Edition 2,000 - Delivery in original box

The Theme shows DIANA, the goddess of the hunt and the moon in Roman mythology, depicted together with a nymph. The background is criss-crossed by wavy lines, while the left side of the image shows the face value and year of issue. Above the figures are the inscriptions "REGGIA DI CASERTA" and "DIANA E ATTEONE".

The coat of arms side shows a detail of the sculptural group taken from the fountain of Diana and Actaeon and presents Actaeon and a dog. The inscription reads : "REPUBBLICA ITALIANA" and the artist's signature "CASSOL" included in the design.

Italy - 10 Euro - 3 g .900 Gold

Behind a balustrade decorated with 12 sculptures is the last fountain of the Via d'Acqua: the fountain of Diana and Actaeon. The water of the waterfall of Monte Briano collects in an elliptical basin bordered by artificial rocks. Actaeon (left) flees after catching Diana bathing. The furious goddess punishes the young hunter by transforming him into a stag: He is mauled beyond recognition by his own dogs. The Fountain of Diana and Actaeon was created between 1786 and 1789 by sculptors Pietro Solari, Paolo Persico, Angelo Brunelli and Andrea Violani from a model by Tommaso Solari.

Among the many wonders of the Royal Palace of Caserta, the ornate Fountain of Diana and Actaeon stands out at the foot of the waterfall.
The story of the Fountain of Diana and Actaeon

Completely surrounded by greenery, the fountain is dedicated to the figure of Diana, goddess of the hunt, whose cult is traditionally widespread in the province of Caserta, which is rich in forests and lush trees. There is a temple consecrated in the name of the Roman deity, known as "tifatina", from whose ruins rises the Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis.

The scene, painted by Paolo Persico, Pietro Solari and Angelo Brunelli, shows Diana bathing in the company of her nymphs. Actaeon is discovered by the goddess when he spies on her nakedness. As punishment, he turns into a stag and is condemned to be mauled by his own dogs.
The myth of Diana and Actaeon

The myth of Actaeon has its origins in Greek culture, according to which the hunter had mistakenly encountered the goddess (Artemis among the Greeks). The curse pronounced by the goddess was not a real punishment, but was intended to prevent Actaeon from reporting the incident.