Artwork
Meleagro et Tideo Argonotes condotti da Cupido
Meleagro et Tideo Argonotes condotti da Cupido is an ink print by the Baroque artist Balthasar Moncornet. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1634 etching by Balthasar Moncornet presents a classical narrative through the medium of intaglio printmaking. Produced on laid paper, the work reflects Moncornet’s broader engagement with historical and mythological subjects, a common pursuit among seventeenth-century French artists working across painting, printmaking, and decorative arts.
Subject & Meaning
The scene centers on Meleager and Tydeus, two figures from Greek mythology, as they are guided by Cupid. The composition suggests an allegorical or narrative moment, possibly referencing their roles in the Argonaut expedition or broader themes of love and destiny. The presence of Cupid implies an intervention of desire or fate in their journey.
Technique & Style
Moncornet employs the etching process, incising lines into a metal plate to create intricate details and tonal variation. The dense arrangement of figures and ornamental elements demonstrates a Baroque sensibility, balancing clarity with complexity. Fine cross-hatching and stippling generate depth, while the crowded composition invites prolonged examination of individual motifs.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, the print originates from Moncornet’s period of activity in Rouen before his relocation to Paris. As part of his oeuvre, it reflects the artist’s interest in reproducing classical and historical subjects for a cultivated audience. The work’s survival in collections underscores its role within the printmaking traditions of early modern France.
Context
During the seventeenth century, etchings served as a means to disseminate imagery to a wider public, often reproducing paintings or illustrating literary and mythological themes. Moncornet’s work aligns with this practice, catering to patrons and collectors who valued classical antiquity. The print’s crowded composition mirrors contemporary tastes for elaborate, multi-figural scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.
