Meleager en Atalanta na de jacht 1670 - 1697

This print, "Meleager and Atalanta after the Hunt," was created by Paul van Somer II during the late 17th century in the Netherlands. It illustrates a scene from Greek mythology, a common subject during the Baroque era, when artists often drew upon classical narratives. Here, we see Meleager presenting the head of the Calydonian boar to Atalanta. The male gaze is evident in the way the artist renders Atalanta; her mythological status does not shield her from being depicted as an object of beauty and desire. Yet Atalanta was an independent huntress who challenged traditional gender roles, and we might see this print as evidence of a culture that could imagine--but perhaps not fully embrace--female strength. The surrounding cherubs, hallmarks of Baroque art, and the classical scene serve to highlight the cultural values of the time, while subtly hinting at alternative narratives around gender.