Female Satyr with Children on an Altar

1626

Pierre Brebiette

Associated Names
Pierre Brebiette

Artist, French, 1598 - c. 1650

François Langlois

Publisher, French, 1589 - 1647

This is a drawing of a scene featuring numerous figures engaged in ceremonial or celebratory activities. The image depicts a tableau of characters, with some figures participating in dancing or playing musical instruments while others are involved in a ritual or festive gathering. Decorative elements include drapery, garlands hanging overhead, vases, and a detailed altar or podium around which some of the activity is centered. The figures are dressed in flowing garments typical of classical attire and the scene includes symbolic objects such as a bow and quiver. The intricate details and composition suggest a carefully staged narrative conveyed through the interactions and gestures of the figures present.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 7.4 × 25.4 cm (2 15/16 × 10 in.)
    sheet: 8.4 × 26.3 cm (3 5/16 × 10 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.44.20

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    IFF (1600), no. 147

  • Series Title

    Twelve Bacchanales

Associated Artworks

See all 12 artworks
This is a drawing of a procession with a banquet scene. The image depicts a lively procession of figures, mostly women dressed in flowing classical robes, moving towards the right. They are engaged in what appears to be a ceremonial or festive occasion. The figures carry various objects such as baskets or vessels, and some are dancing. On the far right, the drawing transitions to an interior setting, where seated figures appear to be partaking in a banquet, with food and drink on the table. The background is intricately decorated with garlands and ornate architectural details.

Sacrifice of a Ram

Pierre Brebiette, François Langlois

1626

Twelve Bacchanales

Pierre Brebiette, François Langlois

1626

This is a drawing of mythical creatures engaged in a procession. The image depicts a group of mythical creatures with human-like upper bodies and goat-like lower bodies. Some creatures are playing musical instruments and others are carrying garlands of flowers and foliage. The setting includes architectural elements like columns and a building, suggesting a gathering. The drawing style uses delicate lines to render details in clothing and facial expressions, creating a lively atmosphere.

Satyrs Bringing Animals to an Altar

Pierre Brebiette, François Langlois

1626

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Heinrich Füssli et Cie, Zurich (1755 - 1829) (Lugt 1008). (Paul Prouté, S.A., Paris); purchased 2015 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1939

  • IFF (1600): no. 147

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: F.L.D. Ciartres excudit cum Privilegio.; lower right in plate: Brebiette [undecipherable]/4.

Markings

verso: unknown mark upper left

Wikidata ID

Q77016096

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