Satyr Leading Goat on which a Infant Rides, from "Ex Antiquis Cameorum et Gemmae Delineata"

Art Historical Context

Behold this enchanting engraving, *Satyr Leading Goat on an Infant Rides*, a delicate reproduction from the Renaissance series *Ex Antiquisorum et Gemmae Data* ("Drawn from Ancientos and Gems"). Captured in intricate lines on a modest plate measuring just 3 7/16 x 4 7/8 inches, it depicts a playful mythological scene: a mischievous satyr guiding a goat that carries a cherubic infant. Published around 1599–1622, this third-state impression reflects the era's fascination with classical antiquity, where artists meticulously copied ancient gems and cameos to revive Greco-Roman myths for contemporary audiences. Crafted by a collaborative circle including Italian 16th-century talents like Battista Franco and Enea Vico—renowned engravers—alongside Francesco Angeloni, Philippe Thomassin, and anonymous contributors, the print exemplifies the technical prowess of engraving. Fine burin lines create depth and texture, transforming carved stone originals into accessible prints. Satyrs, those half-human, half-goat revelers from Greek lore symbolizing nature's wild spirit, paired with the innocent infant and sturdy goat, evoke whimsy and wonder, bridging pagan antiquity with Renaissance humanism. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, thanks to The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this tiny gem invites us to ponder how 17th-century scholars preserved fleeting classical treasures, making mythology intimate and alive for all.

About the Artist

Francesco Angeloni|Battista Franco|Philippe Thomassin|Enea Vico|Anonymous, Italian, 16th century (Italian|Italian|French|Italian|Italian) · 1559 |1510 |1562 |1523 |1500 –1652 |1561 |1622 |1567 |1600

Terni 1559 or 1587–1652 Rome|Italian, Venice ca. 1510–1561 Venice|French, Troyes 1562–1622 Rome|Italian, Parma 1523–1567 Ferrara|