On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01666
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Nymphs and Satyrs
- Chronology
- Ca. 1635
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 136 cm x 165 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Under some trees, a group of Nymphs
and Satyrs enjoy Nature in harmony.
the Nymphs personify the fecundity
of the fields, while the Satyrs
live in, and watch over, the woods.
Together they harvest the fruits
offered by Nature. The water
running out of a jug and the horn
allude to abundance and prosperity.
In the right foreground, a child
satyr offers a cluster of grapes to
a tiger. This is an allusion to
Bacchus, a deity intimately related
to the fertility of Nature.
This painting was made during the
artist's last productive years,
when his works were animated by
idyllic and sensual sentiments and
were frequently set in lush
landscapes. Some of the figures are
based on classical sculptures,
showing Rubens broad knowledge of
classical culture.
This work belonged to the artist
until he died in 1640, when it was
acquired by Felipe IV and taken to
Madrid's Alcázar Palace.
Location on the map
