Amor bestraft een sater 1688 - 1698

This watercolor entitled 'Amor bestraft een sater', or 'Cupid Punishing a Satyr', was made by an anonymous artist. The artwork's meaning comes through its use of classical mythological figures. The satyr, a creature associated with lust and revelry, is subdued by Cupid, the god of love. Meanwhile, two female figures observe the event with seeming amusement. The artwork likely originated in Northern Europe, given its location at the Rijksmuseum. To fully understand its meaning, we need to examine the reception of classical mythology during that time. This was a period when the revival of classical art and literature was used by the upper class to legitimize their status. However, it could also be used to gently critique the morals of the elite by portraying the triumph of love over base instinct. By consulting historical texts and visual culture of the period, we can more fully appreciate the context that brought this image into being. In doing so, we give meaning to the art of the past.