Nymph of Diana

Jules-Louis Rispal (1871-1909)

French

Date : 1902
Dimensions : 70 cm (Height) 48 x 31 cm (Base)
Material : White Carrara marble
Signature : “J. RISPAL 1902”

This refined white marble sculpture, signed and dated 1902 by Jules-Louis Rispal, portrays the goddess Diana in an intimate moment of connection with a doe. Stripped of her mythological attributes, Diana appears nude and unarmed, gently bending toward the animal she affectionately embraces. The contact of her hand on the doe’s neck and their close, mirrored postures convey a quiet bond of trust and tenderness.

Unlike traditional depictions, this Diana is not shown as a huntress. Instead, Rispal chooses to emphasize a more vulnerable and emotional interpretation of the goddess. Her body is turned with subtle grace, and her gaze is lowered in introspection, evoking sensitivity rather than strength. This artistic choice highlights the sculptor’s focus on the emotional resonance of form and gesture.

The sculpture is carved with exceptional finesse, emphasizing the purity of anatomical lines in both the human and animal figures. The doe, equally detailed, rests against a roughly hewn rocky base, creating a striking contrast with the smooth, polished surfaces of the figures above. Free from excessive ornamentation, the composition demonstrates classical restraint, relying instead on the expressive quality of the forms.

This harmonious blend of naturalism and poetic symbolism is characteristic of Rispal’s artistic language. By pairing Diana with the animal in a moment of tenderness, the artist offers a reinterpretation of classical themes through a modern, humanistic lens.

Signed “J. RISPAL 1902”, the sculpture confirms its authenticity and stands as a rare example of the sculptor’s refined understanding of neoclassical aesthetics and personal expression.