A two-foot-tall bronze statue of the Greek goddess Diana, which once adorned the fireplace mantle of the Titanic, has been rediscovered on the ocean floor, over a century after the ship’s tragic sinking. The statue, known as the Diana of Versailles, is a replica of an original piece housed in the Louvre, and was part of the ship’s luxurious décor, emphasizing its role as a “floating gallery of fine art and design.” The statue was recently found by the Georgia-based company RMS Titanic during an unmanned expedition to the wreck site, located two-and-a-half miles underwater in the North Sea. Remarkably, the statue was discovered half-buried in mud, yet untouched by corrosion, a testament to its preservation after more than 100 years at sea.

Described as “finding a needle in a haystack,” the discovery was an emotional moment for the expedition team, who had only hours left in their search. James Penca, a researcher at RMS Titanic, shared that many team members were moved to tears upon locating the statue. Diana is depicted wielding a club over her right shoulder, with a stag at her side, a striking image even after its long entombment on the ocean floor. The discovery of this statue highlights the Titanic’s enduring allure and the treasures that still lie within its remains. Though some relics are left in place, the Diana of Versailles is expected to be a top priority for recovery in future expeditions.