The hunter Actaeon stumbles upon Diana, goddess of the hunt, bathing with her attendants. In fear, he flees the scene, but it is too late. Diana has cast a spell to transform Actaeon into a deer. Decived, his dogs bits at their antlered master. The drama unfolds in a wood before a fantastical city and landscape. Diana and Actaeon are recorded in Book III of Ovid's narrative poem Metamorphoses (published 8 CE). The story is popular on istoriato maiolica, tin glazed earthenware from central Italy made during the Italian Renaissance (roughly 1400-1600 CE) and painted with scenes from literature and history. Wealthy collectors displayed these plates to show off their knowledge of ancient Roman art and philosophy.