Presentation of the Calydonian Boar’s Head, from The Story of Meleager and Atalanta
Date: about 1530-1535
Dimensions:
H: 11 ft. 4 in. (3.5 m); W: 16 ft. 10 in. (5.1 m)
Medium: Wool and silk tapestry
Place of Origin: Belgium, Brussels
Classification: Textiles and Fiber
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1928.204
Label Text:Lavish in design and execution, this intricate textile features scenes from the ancient Greek story of Meleager and Atalanta, the earliest representation of the subject in a Flemish tapestry. When Meleager’s father, King Oeneus of Calydon, neglects to sacrifice at the temple of Artemis, the enraged goddess of the hunt sends a gigantic boar to terrorize the Caledonian people. Meleager calls a hunt for the beast, which his uncles and the virgin huntress Atalanta join. Atalanta’s arrow draws first blood, but Meleager kills the boar. He generously awards the trophy of the head to Atalanta, which infuriates his uncles. When they try to take it, Meleager kills them.
The primary scene depicts Atalanta and Meleager’s ceremonial presentation of the boar’s head and hide to the priests at the temple of Artemis, while King Oeneus and his court look on. Two scenes in the background bring the story to its tragic conclusion. On the left, Meleager’s mother, Althea, refuses pleas to forgive her son for her brothers’ deaths. On the right, Meleager collapses as his angry mother throws a cursed log on the fire that, when burned, will end her son’s life.
The primary scene depicts Atalanta and Meleager’s ceremonial presentation of the boar’s head and hide to the priests at the temple of Artemis, while King Oeneus and his court look on. Two scenes in the background bring the story to its tragic conclusion. On the left, Meleager’s mother, Althea, refuses pleas to forgive her son for her brothers’ deaths. On the right, Meleager collapses as his angry mother throws a cursed log on the fire that, when burned, will end her son’s life.
Not on view
In Collection(s)