Satyr

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative collection, this enchanting miniature ivory sculpture titled *Satyr* hails from 17th-century Flanders. Carved by an unknown artist a modest height of 7 inches17.8 cm), it depicts the lively mythological figure—a half-man, half-goat creature from Greek lore, symbolizing revelry, nature, andamed desires. Such satyrs were popular motifs in Baroque-era art, blending classical mythology with the era's exuberant style. Ivory's creamy smoothness made it ideal for miniature sculptures like this, prized by collectors for the...