Satyr

This expressive drawing depicts the head of a satyr, a mythological creature from classical antiquity often associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and ecstasy. The artist has rendered the satyr’s features with lively lines and bold shading, giving the face a raw, almost animalistic energy. The wild hair—interwoven with curling forms and possibly bestial elements—amplifies the untamed nature of the figure.

Unlike the heroic or idealized characters of mythology, the satyr embodies instinct, desire, and playful mischief. His gaze—partially obscured, partially suggestive—evokes a sense of ambiguity: is he a witness, a tempter, or a mocker?

In the 17th century, head studies like this were popular among artists as exercises in expression and character. They often served as preparatory sketches for larger compositions, but could also circulate as standalone works in collectors’ albums. This drawing fits within that tradition: compact, powerful, and evocative—a moment of mythological imagination captured in line and tone.
Black Pencil, 264 x 196mm