Artwork

Pan en Syrinx

Pan en Syrinx, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1620
Pan en Syrinx, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1620

Pan en Syrinx is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

About this work

Overview

Jacob Jordaens painted *Pan en Syrinx* in 1620, employing oil on canvas. The work belongs to the mythological genre and exemplifies the Flemish Baroque aesthetic that dominated early‑17th‑century Antwerp. It is part of the permanent collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the chase recounted in classical mythology, where the god Pan pursues the nymph Syrinx. Jordaens captures the moment of pursuit, emphasizing the tension between the god’s wild energy and Syrinx’s vulnerable, fleeing presence.

Technique & Style

Rendered in the vigorous brushwork and rich coloration typical of Flemish Baroque, the painting employs dramatic chiaroscuro: a darkened backdrop is pierced by a shaft of light from the left, heightening the sense of movement and emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the canvas has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the holdings of Belgium’s Royal Museums of Fine Arts. The museum’s acquisition records trace the work’s passage through private collections before its accession in the early 20th century.

Context

Jordaens, a contemporary of Peter Paul Rubens, often turned to classical subjects to demonstrate his skill in rendering mythic narratives. *Pan en Syrinx* reflects the broader Baroque fascination with dynamic storytelling, theatrical poses, and the interplay of light and shadow.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Jordaens

Artist

Jacob Jordaens

Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.