A pair of carved walnut narrative panels, probably Italian early 17th century

These panels, possibly from a series, depict scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The first panel illustrates the story of Diana and Actaeon at the moment when he discovers the bathing nymphs. Diana punishes Actaeon by turning him into a stag. The second panel depicts Diana and Callisto. Callisto, a nymph who was meant to be as chaste as Diana, was seduced by Jupiter, disguised as Diana. In this scene Diana points accusingly at Callisto, and the nymphs draw back her robe to reveal her pregnancy. Moments later Diana punishes Callisto by turning her into a bear.