Procris was accidentally killed by her husband Cephalus. In one version of the story she was brought back to life by the goddess Diana. Here the goddess reconciles the couple and warns them of the dangers of jealousy and unfaithfulness.

The story comes from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Book VII) where Diana, goddess of hunting, gave the huntsman Cephalus a magic dog and spear. Ovid's story ends tragically with Cephalus accidentally killing Procris with the spear.

The happy ending shown in this painting by Claude is unusual. However, Claude also made a (now lost) picture of the death of Procris.