Metamorphoses

Roman poet Ovid’s (43 BC–17 AD) 15 book poem was written in Latin and features the story of Diana, which inspired Titian's three great paintings.
Based on the theme of 'change' ('Metamorphoses' means 'transformations' in Greek), these mythical tales were as renowned in Titian's day as Bible stories, and were a popular source of inspiration for many Renaissance artists.



Metamorphosis: Titian 2012’ - featuring new work by contemporary artists Chris Ofili, Conrad Shawcross and Mark Wallinger in an unique collaboration with The Royal Ballet.

This multi-arts project, part of the Cultural Olympiad's London 2012 Festival, will draw on the powerful stories of change found in Titian’s masterpieces, revealing how these spectacular paintings continue to inspire living artists.

A multi-faceted experience celebrating British creativity across the arts, ‘Metamorphosis: Titian 2012’ brings together a group of specially commissioned works responding to three of Titian’s paintings – Diana and Actaeon, The Death of Actaeon and the recently acquired Diana and Callisto – which depict stories from Ovid’s epic poem ‘Metamorphoses’. The three paintings will be displayed together at the heart of the exhibition.

Summary: Ovid wrote poems in 43BC - 17AD which made up 15 books
These poems were then used to paint 2/3 images by Titian
Chris Ofili then recreated the painting in a more modern fashion