In Book II of his Metamorphosis, Ovid tells how Jupiter tricked Callisto. This very beautiful nymph who was part of Diana the Huntress' entourage was seduced by Jupiter, who took on the appearance of that goddess. When she became pregnant, Callisto attempted to hide her state from Diana, who was a virgin and demanded the same of all her entourage. Jupiter converted his lover into a bear in order to free her of Diana's punishment, but when the latter found out, she killed the nymph with her arrows. When she died, Jupiter carried her into the heavens, placing her among the stars, where she became the constellation of the Big Bear.

Pierre depicts the moment when Jupiter first tricked Callisto, who abandons herself in the embrace of Jupiter, disguised as Diana. In order to distinguish one from the other, the artist uses one of the goddess's symbols, a crescent moon, as her headdress. A cupid playing nearby reclines on the Huntress's quiver.

This work is the companion to Jupiter and Antiope (P3218).