The Hunt (Diana and Her Nymphs) - 1926

by Robert Burns (1869–1941)

made by Liberty Puzzles

14.75 X 14.75 inches, 509 pieces


Diana is a goddess in Roman and Hellenistic religion, primarily considered a patroness of the countryside, hunters, crossroads, and the Moon. Several classical paintings have been painted of her. Most were named Diana and Her Nymphs or Diana and Her Companions. This version was painted by Robert Burns around 1926 in oil, tempera, and gold leaf on canvas as part of the first floor decoration for Crawford's Tea Rooms at 70 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. It was originally titled Diana and Her Nymphs, but the name was changed to The Hunt. The original is quite large at 78 x 78 inches (198 x 198 cm) It is now in storage.

The cut is very unusual. this can be seen from the back. By the way, if this puzzle interests you enough to buy it, stop reading here. Jigsaws are best put together without knowing what the result will be, but discover it as you work, especially not seeing the ways they are cut. This is especially true for this jigsaw because it is so unusual. It's a bit difficult to buy a puzzle without seeing the image. I wouldn't buy one if I didn't like what it looks like. I exchange jigsaws with friends, and one does not want to see the result. The pieces are sent in a plastic bag.

For those not interested in jigsaws, or this jigsaw, I'll explain how this jigsaw is like no other. First, there is a lot of symmetry in the pieces, and easily seen in the back. Even more interesting about the cut for this puzzle is that it can be transformed into an entirely different alternate shape of a deer head. The normal square version is 14.75 x 14.75 inches. The free-form alternate version is about 32 x 18 inches. Many of the edge pieces form half of connector pieces placed upside down to join "clumps" of right side up pieces from the normal assembly. Several other joined pieces from the normal assembly are upside down in the alternate. I doubt the alternate can be completed without a picture.

I posted photos from the Liberty site on my Facebook page, but I'm sticking to only my own photos for my site. If you want to see the alternate and some of the unusual whimsies, click of the Liberty Puzzles link in the heading.