16 - Tapestry; Probably by JAN II LEYNIERS, Flanders, c. 1680.

Tapestry; Probably by JAN II LEYNIERS, Flanders, c. 1680. “Meleager and Atalanta Hunting the Calydonian Boar.” Wool and silk. Design based on models by Charles Le Brun. Measurements: 340 x 340 cm. A Flemish tapestry woven in wool and silk depicting an episode from classical mythology: the hunt for the Calydonian boar, featuring Meleager and Atalanta. The composition follows in the tradition of the great narrative tapestries of the 17th century, designed to recreate episodes from classical antiquity through complex scenes of a historical and mythological nature. The scene depicts one of the most famous tales from Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*, in which Prince Meleager, accompanied by a group of heroes, organizes an expedition to slay the gigantic boar sent by Diana against the kingdom of Calydon. The piece is likely attributed to the workshop of Jan II Leyniers (1630–1686), a member of one of Brussels’ most prominent families of master tapestry makers. The Leyniers were highly active for several generations, participating in the production of important textile series intended for the international market. Their workshops worked from designs by prominent painters and designers, incorporating widely known mythological, historical, and allegorical themes. Jan II Leyniers was noted for his involvement in the reproduction of large narrative cycles, including the story of Meleager and Atalanta, based on designs by Charles Le Brun. The relationship between the two artists is a significant example of the exchange between French painting and Flemish tapestry production. While Le Brun provided the compositional models, the Brussels workshops adapted and executed the compositions using traditional tapestry techniques.The attribution to Jan II Leyniers’ workshop finds an interesting parallel in the tapestry *The Presentation of the Head of the Calydonian Boar*, held at the Art Institute of Chicago, woven between 1673 and 1686 based on a design by Charles Le Brun.