Overdoor with Satyr and Satyress c. 17th century

Paolo Veronese made this drawing called "Overdoor with Satyr and Satyress" with pen and ink, and blue wash, sometime in the 16th century. The Renaissance in Italy, where this drawing was made, saw a renewed interest in classical antiquity. The figures here, satyrs, are straight out of ancient Greek mythology, beings who were part man and part goat, known for their love of wine, music, and revelry. This drawing, with its mythological subject, and its classical architectural details, reflects a fascination with the ancient world. But there’s also a twist. Veronese wasn’t just copying ancient art, he was reinterpreting it. He was using the visual language of classicism to explore new ideas about the human body, sexuality, and the relationship between humans and nature. It’s this dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, that makes the art of the Renaissance so compelling. And it’s through close study of both the artwork itself, and the historical context in which it was made, that we can begin to understand its richness and complexity.