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Satyr and Mercury Shooting at a Statue

Pierre Brebiette

1626

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Satyr and Mercury Shooting at a Statue is a 1626 ink by Pierre Brebiette, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Pierre Brebiette
When & what style?: 1626 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a satyr and Mercury aiming at a stone statue. Mercury’s winged helmet glints. The satyr holds a bow, ready to shoot. The oddest part? They’re trying to knock off the statue’s nose. It’s a joke from mythology—turning prayers into targets. The paper feels rough under your fingers. Want to see more like this? Look up Brebiette, Pierre.