Satyrs

     Satyrs live in the forests and mountains and are companions of Dionysus, the Greek God of wine and ecstasy. They are depicted as young males with horse like ears, tail and hooves. Later in the Renaissance period, artists began portraying satyrs with horns and the lower half of the body to resemble that of a goat. These later portrayals became known as fauns, the Roman counterpart to the satyr. Fauns and satyrs were creatures that represented all vices that humans try so hard to restrain. At first, in Greek art the satyrs were often seen chasing or raping nymphs. Later they became symbols of drunkenness and music, often shown playing the pipes or flute. Satyrs have now become representations of joy with the love for women and wine displayed in scenes of them dancing and drinking with nymphs and humans instead of acting with sexual aggression. 

A faun shown carrying grapes used to make wine. Located at the Musei Capitolini

A Hellenistic style statue of a satyr playing the flute. Located at the Museo Nazionale Romano

A Roman copy identified as a satyr. Often represented with a panther pelt and a forest background. This figure was likely to have been holding a flute in its right hand. Located at the Museo Nazionale Romano

A marble faun mask worn during theatrical performances or festivals dedicated to Bacchus (Roman counterpart to Dionysus). Located at the Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museum)

Payne, Maxwell. "Satyrs in Art: A Look at One of Mythology's Most Fascinating Creatures." Yahoo! Voices. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 23 July 2007. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://voices.yahoo.com/satyrs-art-look-one-mythologys-most-fascinating-454034.html?cat=38>.

"Satyrs." Myths Encyclopedia. Advameg Inc., 2013. Web. 15 Aug. 2013.

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