Who painted Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan?

Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan was painted by Francesco Fontebasso in 1744.

Where can I see Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan?

Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan?

Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan

Francesco Fontebasso , 1744

Nine Figures around a Herm of Pan is an ink print by the Baroque artist Francesco Fontebasso. It dates from 1744 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1744, this black‑and‑white print presents a pastoral gathering of nine figures surrounding a classical herm representing the god Pan. Executed as an etching on laid paper, the composition balances activity and repose within a wooded setting, with a goat or ram positioned centrally among the participants.

Subject & Meaning

The scene combines musical performance, childlike leisure, and domestic objects—such as a cup, pitcher, and basket—suggesting a bucolic celebration of mythological themes. The presence of Pan’s herm links the gathering to the rustic deity, while the varied postures convey a harmonious blend of playfulness and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Fontebasso employs delicate, intersecting lines to render foliage, figures, and the animal, achieving depth through tonal variation despite the monochrome medium. The fine incised details and graceful contours reflect the decorative sensibility of late‑Baroque Venetian printmaking, emphasizing elegance over stark realism.

History & Provenance

The etching was produced by Francesco Fontebasso, a Venetian painter trained under Sebastiano Ricci and later influenced by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Though primarily known for his paintings, Fontebasso applied his theatrical, ornamental approach to printmaking, contributing to the diffusion of his style beyond the canvas.

Context

In mid‑18th‑century Venice, artists frequently explored mythological subjects within idyllic landscapes, catering to a market for decorative works that could adorn interiors. This print aligns with that trend, offering a portable, detailed representation of a classical theme suitable for collectors interested in both art and antiquity.