Satyress and her Infant 1520 - 1575

This bronze sculpture, "Satyress and her Infant," was crafted in the early 16th century by Severo Calzetta da Ravenna. Observe the dominant figures: a satyress, a female woodland spirit, and her child, both adorned with goat-like features. These figures hark back to ancient Dionysian cults, embodying primal instincts and untamed nature. The satyress holding a vessel is reminiscent of similar figures in classical art, often associated with fertility rituals. The motif of a mother and child connects to the broader theme of maternal love. Recall images of the Virgin Mary with the infant Christ—a powerful archetype. However, here, the maternal bond is tinged with the wild, untamed spirit of the forest. This image is not just a representation but an emotional evocation of nature's raw power. It is a reminder of the subconscious forces that drive us, a visual echo resonating through time.