Satyr Attacking Two Nude Bathers
18th century
In this dynamic sketch by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, a mythological satyr with goat legs lunges aggressively at a terrified bather, grabbing her arm while her companion scrambles away in panic. Cipriani, an Italian artist who became a founding member of the Royal Academy in London, was a master of bringing classical drama to life. The loose, fluid lines and soft washes suggest this was a preparatory study, capturing the raw energy of the chase rather than a polished final piece. It’s a great example of how 18th-century artists practiced their anatomy and storytelling before tackling huge decorative projects.
- Technique
- Ink and wash
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- Paper
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