Initial ‘D’ with Satyr
1881
Imagine the letter 'D' throwing a Bacchanalian bash! In this 1881 illustration by François-Émile Ehrmann, a muscular satyr—half-man, half-goat—struts through the curve of the letter like he owns the place. He is loaded with symbols of Dionysus: a basket of grapes on his back, a wine jug in his hand, and pan pipes floating in the air, suggesting a soundtrack is coming. An eager dog jumps up at his hooves, while the left margin is choked with elaborate, swirling vines and a tiny figure peeking out from the top. This piece captures the Symbolist movement's fascination with mythology, using ancient figures to explore primal, untamed human instincts.
- Technique
- Engraving
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