Mythological Scene With Satyr, Putti And Still Life - 17th Century Canvas Painting

This extraordinary, rectangular, horizontal canvas depicts a scene charged with the charm and symbolism typical of the Italian Baroque. At the center of the composition stands a vigorous male figure, identifiable as a mythological satyr, captured in a moment of musical abandon while playing a wind instrument. Around him, groups of cherubs dance and play, enlivening the composition with festive, lively movements. The natural details and objects in the foreground—such as fruit, the viola da gamba (an ancient musical instrument), flowers, and a shell—reflect the themes of abundance, music, and sensual beauty, typical of Baroque painting. The skillful use of chiaroscuro, with strong light contrasts, gives the composition depth and movement. The brushstrokes are lively, and the attention to detail, such as the flowers and the reflection of the shell, lends prestige to the work. The oblique positioning of the satyr, the spontaneous gestures of the cherubs, and the richness of the objects create a lively and harmonious narrative.
The work displays a solid anatomical approach and erudite iconography typical of 17th-century Emilian culture; the pictorial construction and choice of subjects suggest an artist influenced by the Bolognese school of painting, who loved combining mythological narrative with extraordinarily realistic details (see the meticulous rendering of the shell and flowers).
An original, cultured, and impactful work, ideal for collectors of Baroque art and lovers of symbolic painting.
55 x 114 cm (including frame)
37 x 95 cm (14 x 37 in.)