Fries met een sater ten halven lijve 1510 - 1550

This small print is a frieze with a half-length satyr, made by an anonymous artist. The composition is striking, primarily in monochrome with dense, rhythmic patterns that evoke a sense of classical dynamism. The image’s central figure—the satyr—is flanked by two cherubic figures amidst swirling foliage, all rendered with meticulous detail. The artist’s use of engraving brings a tactile quality to the leaves and bodies, creating a complex interplay between light and shadow. The contrasting textures, from the smooth skin of the cherubs to the rough visage of the satyr, add depth and visual interest. The frieze-like format suggests a narrative, or perhaps a symbolic representation of classical themes. Its structural elements destabilize fixed meanings, inviting interpretations that might contrast the innocence of the cherubs with the wild nature of the satyr. This opposition underscores a dialogue between civilization and primal instinct. The work's formal qualities, therefore, function not merely aesthetically but as components of a broader cultural discourse, reflecting how classical motifs continued to be re-interpreted through art.