Hunt of the Calydonian Boar
Original title: Hunt of the Calydonian Boar
kurzbeschreibung
Bernard Picart, active in the late 17th to early 18th century, made this drawing of the mythological hunt for the Calydonian Boar. Executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening on blue paper, it measures 16.1 x 27.5 cm.
Description
An oval framing takes up the entire sheet. In the foreground, several figures on horseback and on foot pursue the boar, armed with lances and swords. Some chase the animal, while others stand to the side and watch. Further back, additional participants in the hunt become visible. Brown tones dominate the sheet, with white accents picking out individual figures.
Context
Picart, a French engraver and draughtsman, was known for mythological and biblical subjects. The hunt for the Calydonian Boar is one of the well-known themes of Greek mythology and was often treated in Baroque art. The sheet likely served as a preparatory study for a print or a decorative work.
Impact
The dynamic arrangement and lively portrayal of the hunt evoke a tense atmosphere. Brown wash and white heightening on blue paper give the scene depth and a distinctive glow.
Technique
Pen and brown ink form the basis, supplemented by brown wash and white heightening. The blue paper acts as a toned ground, making both light and dark areas stand out with strong contrast.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)