Five boys and a satyr 1625 - 1677

This etching by Wenceslaus Hollar presents five cherubic boys in mischievous play alongside a satyr, a creature from classical mythology. The satyr, traditionally associated with revelry and wild nature, is depicted here in a state of carefree abandon. Observe the motif of the cherubic figure, a symbol deeply rooted in both classical and Christian traditions. These figures, derived from the Greco-Roman cupid and the Christian angel, represent innocence and divine love. You can see related figures across time and place: ancient Roman frescoes, Renaissance paintings and even modern advertising. Here, these figures are presented in a secular context, engaging in playful interactions with the satyr. Consider the inherent tension between the sacred and the profane: the symbol of divine innocence juxtaposed with the unrestrained nature of the satyr. This juxtaposition is not merely decorative; it is a powerful expression of our own internal conflicts. Throughout history, this dynamic has resurfaced time and again, reflecting our ongoing struggle to reconcile our primal instincts with our spiritual aspirations.