Satyricon I Maquette 1980

Reuben Nakian’s bronze "Satyricon I Maquette" evokes the primal, instinctual energies of its namesake, the Satyr. These mythical creatures, with their blend of human and animal traits, embody the untamed forces of nature and human desire. The rough, almost violent, manipulation of the bronze mirrors the Satyr’s wild abandon. Note the figures' gesturing limbs, reminiscent of ancient Dionysian revelries. Similar poses appear across time, from classical Greek vases to Renaissance bacchanals, illustrating humanity’s enduring fascination with ecstasy. Consider how the Satyr's horns, symbols of virility and untamed nature, echo the crescent moon, a symbol of transformation and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. This motif appears in various guises throughout art history, from ancient fertility goddesses to modern surrealist works. Nakian's Satyr is not merely a representation, but a visceral embodiment of these primal energies, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level. Through the ages, the Satyr returns, reminding us of the enduring power of instinct.