Pan en Syrinx 1739 - 1789

Pieter Franciscus Martenasie made this print titled 'Pan en Syrinx', depicting a mythological scene, sometime in the 18th century. The image illustrates a moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses, where the nymph Syrinx is pursued by the god Pan. The visual codes and cultural references in this piece place it firmly within the Rococo movement, which dominated European art in the 18th century. Rococo art often featured mythological subjects, depicted with a light, playful, and erotic sensibility. This print reflects the interests and tastes of the aristocratic elite. In the years before the French Revolution, the art world was dominated by the French Royal Academy, which promoted a conservative style of painting and sculpture. Rococo artists like Martenasie were often seen as rebels against the Academy's strict rules. Understanding this print involves considering its historical context, particularly the social and political structures of 18th-century Europe. Art historians consult period texts, critical writings, and institutional records to better understand the social meaning of art.