The image is an intricately detailed etching viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is at the upper third of the image, with mountains and a sky full of horizontal lines. A rocky outcrop is on the right, and tall trees are on the left. The scene shows figures in a pastoral setting, with individuals sitting on a patch of earth surrounded by nature. The etching style includes cross-hatching and line techniques for texture and depth, with a black and white color palette. Some birds are etched above the mountain tops in the distance.
Read the visual description

The image is an intricately detailed etching viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is at the upper third of the image, with mountains and a sky full of horizontal lines. A rocky outcrop is on the right, and tall trees are on the left. The scene shows figures in a pastoral setting, with individuals sitting on a patch of earth surrounded by nature. The etching style includes cross-hatching and line techniques for texture and depth, with a black and white color palette. Some birds are etched above the mountain tops in the distance.

National Gallery of Art · Print

A Dancing Satyr

Herman van Swanevelt

Medium
etching
Classification
Print
Accession number
1973.32.46
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Landscapes with Satyrs [Hollstein 26-29]

Subjects and terms

  • Dutch
  • bird
  • animal
  • Tree
  • Dancer
  • Figures

NGA object ID 53914. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.