Satyr Playing the Lyre

c. 1530/1539

Sebald Beham

Associated Names
Sebald Beham

Artist, German, 1500 - 1550

The image shows a mythical creature, likely a satyr, depicted in a seated position on a stone block. The satyr's full body is visible, with a muscular upper torso covered in fur-like texture, transitioning into goat-like legs with hooves. The creature is positioned in profile, facing to the right, and is playing a lyre, which is held with both hands. The satyr has a prominent facial structure with a broad nose, thick eyebrows, and a pronounced brow. Its hair is curly and unruly, with pointed ears emerging from the curls. No clothing is visible, highlighting its half-man, half-goat form. The background consists of tall, stylized grasses or reeds. In the top left corner of the image, there is a small, rectangular banner containing the initials "ISB." The overall composition is richly detailed with crosshatching and intricate line work.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1058

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 110, State only


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1901

  • Pauli, Gustav. Hans Sebald Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche, Radierungen und Holzschnitte. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte_ 33. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1901: no. 111.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Sebald Beham, Anne Röver-Kann, author). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2024: no. 110.

Wikidata ID

Q64961428

You may be interested in

Loading Results