Artwork
Reale dell'Armata di Argonuti con da Minerves
Reale dell'Armata di Argonuti con da Minerves 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
Balthasar Moncornet’s 1634 etching titled *Reale dell’Armata di Argonuti con da Minerves* presents a naval tableau rendered on laid paper. Executed in the etching technique, the print captures a richly decorated vessel and a bustling deck, set against a horizon populated by additional ships.
Subject & Meaning
The central focus is an elaborate warship whose prow bears a female figurehead, suggesting allegorical or protective symbolism. Figures on deck, some armed, convey a sense of military readiness and ceremonial grandeur, reflecting the prestige associated with the Argonautic fleet.
Technique & Style
Moncornet employed traditional acid‑etching on a metal plate, allowing for fine line work and intricate detailing of carvings, rigging, and human forms. The use of laid paper contributes a textured background that enhances the depth of the scene.
Context
A French painter, engraver, and tapissier active in the early seventeenth century, Moncornet is noted for producing roughly forty‑five portrait prints of contemporary notables. This naval print exemplifies his broader range beyond portraiture, showcasing his skill in rendering complex compositions.
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.
