Zes hoofden van saters 1622 - 1652

Coenraet Waumans created this print, "Six Heads of Satyrs," sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age, marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Waumans, like many artists of his time, drew inspiration from classical mythology. Satyrs, the half-human, half-goat creatures associated with Dionysus, god of wine and revelry, were typically portrayed as lustful, mischievous beings, embodying the unrestrained aspects of human nature. Here, Waumans presents a range of satyr expressions. But what does it mean to depict these creatures with such detail and variation? Are these studies of the human condition through the lens of mythology? Or are they explorations of the shadow self? These satyrs – caught between man and beast – invite us to consider the tensions between civilization and instinct, control and abandon. What do you feel as you look at them?