NICOLA MARIA ROSSI (ITALIAN 1690-1758) The myth of Arethusa Oil on canvas 92 x 51cm (36 1/4 x 20in) The present work depicts the saving of the nymph Arethusa by Artemis from Alpheus. The story is recounted in Book V of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Arethusa was part of the retinue of Artemis, goddess of wild animals, the hunt, chastity and childbirth. Spied on and pursued by the river god Alpheus, to save Arethusa from Alpheus's clutches, Artemis transformed her into a spring.