Satyr Mask with Curled Horns Looking Down, from Divers Masques 1630 - 1650

François Chauveau created this etching of a Satyr Mask from Divers Masques in France in the 17th century. Chauveau was a leading printmaker during the reign of Louis XIV and was commissioned to create many illustrations and designs for court entertainments. This image taps into a long tradition of the satyr, a figure from classical mythology associated with revelry, music, and dance. Often depicted with goat-like features such as horns, satyrs symbolized the untamed aspects of human nature. In the context of 17th-century France, the image of the Satyr mask may reflect the carnivalesque spirit found in courtly masques and celebrations, offering a momentary escape from the rigid social norms of the time. Chauveau’s etching subtly acknowledges the power of performance to both reflect and challenge the cultural norms of his time. To fully appreciate the significance of this work, we can consult primary sources, such as records of court entertainments, and secondary scholarship on the cultural history of 17th-century France.