Meleager is shown seated at left with Atalanta
standing right, both holding spears and surrounded
by a meander border. The former was the son of
Oeneus, king of the Aetolians. According to Homer,
while on an embassy to Achilles Oeneus forgot to
sacrifice to Artemis; who, in her anger, sent the
huge Calydonian boar to ravage Aetolia. On a
hunting party to rid themselves of the menace,
Meleager succeeded in killing the beast with the
help of Artemis's own companion Atalanta, with
whom he had fallen in love. This affection is shown
on the mosaic as the lovely huntress gently touches
the leg of Meleager who looks up at her adoringly.
She wears a tunic bare at the shoulders with a
portion of a cloak slipping down over her left arm,
as she steps forward crossing her legs. Fine touches
of artistry are seen in the folds of the clothing,
shadows on the structures, and particularly the
various coloration delineating Meleager's muscular
torso-- all combining to create a very attractive
scene.
- (PF.5308)
|
