Pan Punished by Nymphs c. 1640

Jacques Jordaens made this oil on panel painting called 'Pan Punished by Nymphs'. Although undated, it probably emerged in the mid-17th century, during the Baroque era. Here we see the god Pan at the nymphs’ mercy. We can see his goat legs and horns, attributes of lust and wildness that led him astray. The nymphs, symbols of purity and chastity, take their revenge. The scene reflects a society in which men, particularly those of lower social standing, were seen as naturally inclined to carnal sins, while women were expected to uphold moral standards. Jordaens, working in Antwerp, then part of the Spanish Netherlands, often infused his works with moralizing messages, reflecting the values of the Catholic Church. He uses the mythological subject matter to offer a commentary on contemporary social mores. To truly understand art, we must examine the cultural context in which it was created. Historical texts, social studies, and religious documents are just a few of the resources we can use to better understand artworks like this one.