Pan, Spying, From Behind a Tree, at Putti, Shooting Arrows 

Robert Smirke produced this watercolor drawing of Pan, putti and arrows sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Britain. It captures a scene of classical mythology, filtered through the aesthetic sensibilities of the Neoclassical movement. Smirke's Pan isn't merely a depiction of a mythological figure; it reflects the cultural preoccupations of his time. The choice of watercolor, the emphasis on draftsmanship, and the subject matter all speak to the values of the British art establishment. This was a time when the Royal Academy, of which Smirke was a member, sought to elevate British art by emulating the perceived virtues of classical antiquity. Yet, there’s also a playful eroticism here that hints at a subversive undercurrent. By examining Smirke’s relationship to institutions like the Royal Academy, and delving into the contemporary reception of classical themes, we can better understand the complex social dynamics that shaped this work.