Diana and Satyr 1800

Filippo Cavori created this pen and brown wash drawing, "Diana and Satyr," in the 19th century. It's a moment rendered through the male gaze, typical of its time, placing the goddess Diana in a position of power over the mythical satyr. The drawing echoes the era's fascination with classical mythology, yet it subtly reinforces societal hierarchies, particularly around gender. Diana, the chaste goddess, is portrayed as an arbiter, while the satyr, a symbol of wild, untamed nature, is subdued, his fate seemingly in her hands. Look at the way the cherubs are depicted. What role do they play in this encounter? The artwork subtly reflects the 19th-century negotiation of power, desire, and morality, inviting us to consider how these themes intertwine within the classical narratives that still shape our culture.