Who painted Semiramis on the Lion Hunt?

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt was painted by Gerard de Lairesse in 1676.

Where can I see Semiramis on the Lion Hunt?

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Semiramis on the Lion Hunt?

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt

Gerard de Lairesse , 1676

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt is an ink print by the Baroque artist Gerard de Lairesse. It dates from 1676 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Semiramis on the Lion Hunt is a 1676 engraving and etching print by Gerard de Lairesse, a prominent Dutch Golden Age artist and theorist. The work exemplifies the classical influences prevalent in late 17th-century European art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic scene of the ancient Near Eastern queen Semiramis participating in a lion hunt, surrounded by attendants, animals, and a lush forest backdrop. The composition focuses on Semiramis, shown kneeling beside a lion, amidst a flurry of activity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp, dynamic lines, the engraving and etching reflect the technical and stylistic preferences of its time. The detailed, busy composition with multiple elements—such as horsemen and spectators in trees—demonstrates Lairesse's adherence to structured, classical ideals.

History & Provenance

Created in 1676, the print predates Lairesse's influential art treatises published in the early 18th century, which would later solidify his impact on artistic theory. The work's provenance details are not specified here.

Context

Influenced by Cesare Ripa's iconography and the French classicism of artists like Charles le Brun, Semiramis on the Lion Hunt embodies the cross-cultural artistic dialogues of late 17th-century Europe.

Legacy

While the print's direct legacy is not detailed, it represents a significant example of Lairesse's contribution to the artistic practices and theoretical foundations of his era, potentially influencing subsequent generations through his writings.