Triton and Two Infant Satyrs, plate four from Twelve Ornament Panels
c. 1505–15
Medium
Engraving in black on grayish cream laid paper
Dimensions
Plate: 53.1 × 8.5 cm (20 15/16 × 3 3/8 in.); Sheet: 55.2 × 11.5 cm (21 3/4 × 4 9/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
23434
Art Historical Context
In the early 16th century, Venetian engraver Giovanni Antonio da crafted *Triton and Two Satyrs*, plate four his series *Twelve Ornament Panels (c. 1505–15). This exquisite engraving captures the High Renaissance fascination with classical mythology, blending the muscular sea god Triton—often depicted blowing a conch shell—with playful infant satyrs, half-human creatures symbolizing untamed nature and revelry. Da Brescia, renowned for reproducing designs by masters like Raphael, created these panels as decorative motifs, ideal for friezes, furniture, or architectural ornamentation, reflecting ...