Artwork

Satyr Family

Satyr Family, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1505
Satyr Family, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1505

Satyr Family is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Satyr Family is an engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer in 1505.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a mythological scene featuring a satyr family, with a horned, bearded male figure nursing a child alongside his squatting wife, who is also nursing, while a goat watches from behind. The composition is inspired by ancient Roman coins, rather than a representation of everyday life.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases Dürer's skill in creating fine lines and detailed textures, such as the soft fur of the animals, through the process of scraping into metal.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.