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Meleager and the Calydonian Boar Antique Engraving, Montfaucon 1721
This original early eighteenth-century copper engraving depicts the classical hero Meleager standing beside the head of the Calydonian Boar, accompanied by a hunting dog. The image reproduces a celebrated ancient sculpture and originates from Bernard de Montfaucon’s monumental antiquarian publication *L’Antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures*, published in Paris in 1721. Montfaucon’s work is considered one of the earliest systematic studies of classical antiquities and played a crucial role in shaping Enlightenment understanding of ancient art and mythology.
The engraving illustrates Meleager, the heroic hunter of Greek mythology, famed for slaying the monstrous Calydonian Boar sent by Artemis to devastate the countryside of Calydon. Presented in contrapposto stance, the hero embodies classical ideals of proportion, strength, and restrained movement. Drapery falls naturally over one shoulder, while the severed boar’s head rests upon a sculptural support beside him, symbolizing triumph over chaos and the restoration of order. The attentive hunting dog reinforces the narrative identity of the figure and emphasizes the heroic hunting theme central to the myth.
Below the principal sculpture, a secondary frieze presents additional classical scenes and figures derived from antique reliefs, reflecting Montfaucon’s scholarly method of comparing ancient artworks within a single visual plate. Such engravings served as essential references for artists, architects, and collectors throughout the eighteenth century, influencing the development of Neoclassicism across Europe.
Executed with refined precision typical of Parisian copperplate engraving, the print displays delicate cross-hatching, balanced composition, and sculptural clarity. Today, plates from Montfaucon’s publication are prized for both their academic importance and their strong decorative presence, equally suited to classical interiors, libraries, or contemporary gallery walls.
This original antique engraving is offered unframed, allowing flexibility to select a frame that best complements the intended interior.
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and light discoloration consistent with early eighteenth-century paper. Minor edge wear and handling marks mainly confined to the margins. Plate impression visible. Blank verso.
Framing tips: A dark walnut or gilt frame with a generous ivory mat enhances the sculptural quality of the figure. For a modern aesthetic, a slim black gallery frame with deep mat spacing creates a refined museum-style presentation.
Technique: Copper engraving
Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon, France, Paris, 1721
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