The artwork, titled “Meleager,” was created by Giovanni Battista Piranesi and is emblematic of the Neoclassicism art movement. This piece falls under the genre of mythological painting.
The artwork depicts a classic mythological figure, likely representing Meleager, a hero from Greek mythology. The central figure is a poised, nude male adorned with a draped garment over his shoulder. He stands confidently atop a pedestal, holding a large boar’s head in his right hand, which is emblematic of his victory in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. At his side is a hunting dog, reinforcing the theme of the hunt. The pedestal is intricately decorated with carved figures of lions and mythological creatures, lending a sense of grandiosity and reverence to the overall composition. The detailed engravings and refined lines are indicative of Piranesi’s masterful technique and his adherence to the principles of Neoclassicism, thus elevating the mythological subject matter into a timeless piece of art.
