Pan en Syrinx met dansende putti 1633 - 1675

Dancker Danckerts created this print, "Pan en Syrinx met dansende putti," sometime in the mid-17th century, a period defined by the Dutch Golden Age, where art celebrated prosperity and classical themes. The print depicts a mythological scene of Pan, the god of the wild, peering from behind a tree, captivated by Syrinx playing a tambourine while surrounded by dancing putti. The story of Pan and Syrinx is one of pursuit and transformation. Syrinx, to escape Pan's advances, is turned into reeds. This scene, however, presents a softened, almost playful narrative. Considering the role of women at the time, Syrinx's agency is limited. Her power lies in her music and beauty, yet she remains an object of desire. The putti, symbols of innocence and love, add a layer of complex sentiment. The print opens up reflections on desire, transformation, and the narratives we inherit and perpetuate. It invites us to question the power dynamics embedded within classical tales and their relevance today.