Pan en Syrinx 1724

"Pan et Syrinx", an etching by Bernard Picart (1673-1733) created in 1724 and currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts the Greek mythological tale of Pan's pursuit of the nymph Syrinx. In the print, Pan, a half-goat deity, is seen chasing Syrinx through tall reeds while her father, the river god, sits despondently holding a reed pipe. The intricate details of the reeds and surrounding forest create a sense of depth and a stark contrast between the frantic pursuit and the father's resignation, highlighting the tragedy of the myth. This etching exemplifies Picart's skill in conveying a narrative through visual storytelling.