Artwork
Satyr Carrying a Nymph on His Back

Satyr Carrying a Nymph on His Back is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Salomon Gessner. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: S. Gessner inv. et f.; lower right in plate: 1.; by later hand, upper right in graphite: (27/10p)
About this work
Overview
Satyr Carrying a Nymph on His Back is an etching on laid paper created by Salomon Gessner in 1770.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a satyr carrying a nymph on his back, accompanied by a child clinging to his leg, as they navigate a dense forest with rough water at its edge. The scene is rendered in black and white, emphasizing the contrast between the figures and their surroundings.
Technique & Style
Gessner employed fine lines to convey the texture and musculature of the satyr's body, creating a sense of strength. The softer rendering of the women's faces contrasts with the satyr's rugged edges, highlighting the differences between the figures.
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