Satyr Carrying a Nymph

1769/1771

Salomon Gessner

Associated Names
Salomon Gessner

Artist, Swiss, 1730 - 1788

This is a drawing of mythical creatures in a forest setting. The image displays a central figure that appears to have the features of a satyr, holding another creature on its shoulder. Another figure is near them, clutching an amphora, knee-deep in water. Surrounding them, lush vegetation with finely detailed foliage suggests a rich, dense forest. The texture and shading are composed of intricate lines and cross-hatching, giving depth and contrast to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of John O'Brien

  • Dimensions

    plate: 11.7 x 14.4 cm (4 5/8 x 5 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 12 x 14.7 cm (4 3/4 x 5 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.3.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Leemann-Van Elck 1930, no. 23

  • Series Title

    Landscapes with Mythological Figures: pl. 1 [Leemann-Van Elck 23-32]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

John O'Brien, New Haven; gift to NGA, 1994.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1930

  • Leemann-Van Elck, Paul. Salomon Gessner: Dichter, Maler und Radierer, 1730-1788. Zurich, 1930.

Inscriptions

lower left below image in plate: S. Gessner inv et f.; lower right below image in plate: 1.

Wikidata ID

Q75124829

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