Artwork
Satyr and Nymph in a Swamp

Satyr and Nymph in a Swamp is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carl Wilhelm Kolbe. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Satyr and Nymph in a Swamp is an etching on laid paper by Carl Wilhelm Kolbe, dating to circa 1794. The print depicts an intimate, yet tense, encounter between a satyr and a nymph within a dense, swampy environment.
Subject & Meaning
The scene focuses on a satyr embracing a nymph, who appears to resist with raised arms. This dynamic suggests a narrative of pursuit or coercion, inviting interpretation of the mythological figures' interaction.
Technique & Style
Kolbe employed etching to achieve textured depth. Fine lines meticulously render the intricate foliage, while pronounced light and dark contrasts evoke a specific mood, enhancing the realism of the swampy setting.
History & Provenance
Created around 1794, specific details about the work's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
Emerging in the late 18th century, this etching may reflect contemporary interests in classical mythology and the sublime or picturesque qualities of natural landscapes.
Legacy
The impact or influence of 'Satyr and Nymph in a Swamp' on subsequent artistic works or movements is not detailed in the provided context, suggesting a need for further art historical analysis.
Artist & collection

















