Satyr Surprising a Satyress 1759 - 1791

"Satyr Surprising a Satyress" is a drawing by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, a prominent Venetian artist, depicting a scene of surprise and playful pursuit. The satyr, a creature with the legs of a goat and the upper body of a man, is depicted in the act of catching a satyress, who is running away in a panicked but graceful posture. This pen and brown ink drawing, created between 1759 and 1791, embodies the Rococo period's emphasis on sensuality and the use of classical mythological themes. The artwork is a study of movement, anatomy, and expression, showcasing Tiepolo's talent for capturing the dynamic energy of a fleeting moment. It is currently housed in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.