The prototype of this statue of Diana, generally recognised as a copy of the image made by Praxiteles for the Temple of Artemis Brauronia on the Acropolis of Athens, was excavated by the Scottish archaeologist, Gavin Hamilton, in 1792, whilst working at Prince Borghese's property at Gabii, near Rome.

Artemis, a special protectress of women, particularly mothers, is shown changing her arrangement of dress. This is meant to represent the dedication of garments offered to her in the form of sacrificial votaries.