Bilder Bernard de Montfaucon (1655–1741) – The Massacre of the Niobids – Engraving (1719)

Beskrivning

"Niobé." This eighteenth-century engraving illustrates the tragic Greek myth of the destruction of Niobe's children. The composition features the divine twins Apollo and Artemis positioned in the heavens upon clouds, raining arrows down upon the Niobids. Below, the children of Niobe are depicted in various states of terror and agony, including a prominent central figure of a dying son and several daughters attempting to flee or seek cover. The scene is based on a celebrated Roman relief, providing a visual interpretation of the punishment for hubris. This plate was published in Paris as part of the series L'Antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures, which served as a definitive visual encyclopedia of ancient mythology and art for Enlightenment scholars.

Bernard de Montfaucon was a French Benedictine monk and a founding figure of modern archaeology and palaeography. He was a member of the Congregation of Saint Maur and dedicated his life to the scholarly examination of ancient texts and monuments. His multi-volume publication, L'Antiquité expliquée, was a landmark in the history of art and science, being the first work to use high-quality engravings to provide a comprehensive visual encyclopedia of antiquity. Montfaucon’s methodology of comparing physical artifacts with literary sources established a new standard for historical research and significantly influenced the development of Neoclassicism in Europe.

Artist or Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon.

Dimensions: Approximately 42 cm x 52 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1719.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.