Artwork
Meleager and Atlanta
Meleager and Atlanta is a print by François-Louis Lonsing. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Meleager and Atlanta is a 1750 print on paper by François-Louis Lonsing, executed from a design by Giulio Romano. The work captures a dynamic, multi-figure scene set against a natural backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dramatic hunting scene featuring Meleager and possibly Atalanta, who stands detached, observing from a rocky vantage point with spear in hand. The composition includes armed hunters, dogs, and a boar, conveying the mythological narrative's intensity.
Technique & Style
While specific technical details of the print are not provided, Lonsing's execution of Romano's design suggests a blend of precise engraving techniques typical of 18th-century printmaking, with compositional and figural elements rooted in the Baroque traditions influenced by Romano's original conception.
History & Provenance
Created in 1750 by François-Louis Lonsing after Giulio Romano's design, the print's provenance details are not specified in available information.
Context
This work reflects the 18th-century interest in classical mythology and the enduring influence of Giulio Romano's Renaissance designs on later European artists. The choice of subject also highlights the period's appreciation for dynamic, narrative-driven art.
Legacy
The print contributes to the broader legacy of Giulio Romano's designs being reinterpreted across centuries. Its impact on subsequent artists or its reception history is not detailed in the provided information.
Artist & collection
Artist
François-Louis Lonsing made 18th-century prints that reimagined myths from ancient Greece and Rome.
