Picart, Mythology, Temple of Muses, Memmon's Statue

Bernard Picart's work, particularly his engravings depicting mythological scenes, includes fascinating illustrations of various figures and locations from classical mythology. One notable subject is the depiction of **Memnon's Statue** in the context of mythological and historical themes.

### **1. Bernard Picart**

**Bernard Picart** (1673–1733) was a prominent French engraver whose illustrations covered a broad range of subjects, including mythological, historical, and religious themes. His detailed engravings aimed to provide visual representations of these subjects, drawing from classical sources and contemporary interpretations.

### **2. Memnon’s Statue**

**Memnon's Statue** refers to a famous pair of colossal statues located near the ancient city of Thebes in Egypt. These statues were known as the **Colossi of Memnon**. They were originally erected by Amenhotep III, a pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, and were famous for their impressive size and their association with the mythological figure of Memnon.

#### **Background on Memnon and the Colossi**

- **Memnon**: In Greek mythology, Memnon was a son of the dawn goddess Eos and a king of Ethiopia. He was known for his bravery and for his participation in the Trojan War, where he was killed by Achilles.
- **Colossi of Memnon**: These statues were originally intended to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. The statues were famous for their size (each standing about 18 meters tall) and for the legend that they “sang” at dawn. This phenomenon was actually caused by the temperature changes affecting the stone.

### **3. Picart’s Depiction of Memnon's Statue**

Picart’s illustrations of **Memnon's Statue** and other mythological scenes are significant for several reasons:

- **Historical Accuracy**: Picart's engravings aimed to faithfully represent historical and mythological subjects based on classical texts and contemporary knowledge.
- **Detail and Craftsmanship**: His engravings are known for their meticulous detail, capturing the grandeur and the mystique of ancient monuments and figures.
- **Mythological Context**: The depiction of Memnon’s Statue in Picart’s work often ties into broader mythological narratives, illustrating the connection between historical artifacts and mythological stories.

### **4. Illustrative Techniques and Significance**

- **Engraving Technique**: Picart’s work involved detailed engraving techniques that allowed for the intricate depiction of both physical details and symbolic elements. His illustrations were typically created with a high level of craftsmanship, reflecting both artistic and scholarly interests.
- **Cultural Impact**: By including figures like Memnon and monumental structures such as the Colossi of Memnon, Picart’s work contributed to the broader understanding of ancient civilizations and their influence on mythology and history.

### **5. Examples and Resources**

- **Picart’s Collections**: Bernard Picart’s engravings can be found in various libraries and museum collections, including:
  - **Bibliothèque nationale de France**: Houses an extensive collection of Picart’s prints and engravings.
  - **British Museum**: Includes examples of Picart’s work, particularly in its collection of prints and illustrations.
- **Art Books and Catalogs**: Books focusing on Picart’s oeuvre or on mythological art from the 18th century may include reproductions and analyses of his depictions of Memnon’s Statue and other subjects.
- **Online Databases**: Digital archives such as those of the **Metropolitan Museum of Art** or the **Rijksmuseum** often provide access to high-quality reproductions of Picart’s engravings.

### **Summary**

Bernard Picart’s engravings, including those depicting **Memnon’s Statue**, offer a detailed and scholarly view of ancient mythological and historical subjects. His work is notable for its accuracy and craftsmanship, reflecting a deep engagement with classical sources and contemporary understanding of ancient monuments. To explore Picart’s illustrations of Memnon’s Statue, one can consult historical art collections, specialized books, and digital archives that feature his detailed engravings.