Diana returning from the chase, accompanied by dogs and her nymphs at left, two satyrs at right (ca. 1808)
Original title: Diana returning from the chase, accompanied by dogs and her nymphs at left, two satyrs at right
kurzbeschreibung
Robert de Launay engraved the return of the hunt goddess Diana around 1808. Diana holds a spear and is flanked by her nymphs and hounds; two satyrs appear on the right. This is a carefully worked copper engraving in shades of grey.
Description
A female figure with a long spear anchors the view, surrounded by several women in traditional dress. On the right stand two satyrs along with two small nude figures handling a fruit. Several dogs and other figures are set within a natural landscape. The layout is symmetrical, and even light emphasizes contours. The style recalls classical painting.
Context
Robert de Launay ranks among French copper engravers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The etching was made around 1808, when classical myths were ubiquitous in the visual arts. A painting may have served as the model for this reproductive print, as was common at the time.
Impact
Fine linework and symmetrical arrangement give the sheet balance and calm. The scene radiates an elevated, classicist mood that recalls ancient reliefs.
Technique
For this engraving, lines were cut into a copper plate and then printed on paper. The grey tones arise from varying line thickness and spacing, which model the shading.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)