Artwork

Dance of the Satyrs

Dance of the Satyrs, by Jean Honoré Fragonard, ink, 1763
Dance of the Satyrs, by Jean Honoré Fragonard, ink, 1763

Dance of the Satyrs is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Dance of the Satyrs is an etching on laid paper created by Jean Honoré Fragonard in 1763.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a lively forest scene with two figures dancing amidst dense, tangled trees and rocky terrain. One figure holds a wine jug, while the other leans against a tree trunk, suggesting a carefree, possibly Bacchic, atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Fragonard employed a scratchy, textured etching style to convey depth and a sense of dynamic movement. The lines and hatching create a vivid, expressive representation of the forest and its inhabitants.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist

Jean Honoré Fragonard

Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born on 5 April 1732 in Grasse, the son of a glover, and moved with his family to Paris in 1738.

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