The Sacrifice of Pan 1808 - 1815

Carl Wilhelm Kolbe created this etching, "The Sacrifice of Pan," depicting a scene steeped in classical symbolism. At its heart is the sylvan deity Pan, his pipes heralding a rustic offering. A nymph pours a libation, a ritual deeply rooted in antiquity, meant to appease the gods and ensure nature’s bounty. Yet, these symbols have an uncanny ability to resurface. Echoes of Pan resonate in later depictions of woodland spirits, becoming symbols of primal energy. This motif has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. While once revered, later, Pan was feared, a complex interplay of attraction and repulsion. The emotional power of this image resides in its evocation of a lost Arcadian world, a world of untamed nature. These symbols engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory. This non-linear, cyclical progression of the image reveals how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.