Pan and Nymph
unknown (Italian School)
- ID
- Ж-981
- Author
- unknown (Italian School)
- Name
- Pan and Nymph
- Date of creation
- 17th (18th?) c.
- Technique
- oil painting
- Material
- copper oil
- Dimensions (height x width, cm)
- 15 x 13
- Type
- painting
- Genre
- mythological painting
- Provenance
- Collection of Lviv City Gallery
- Exposition
- Potocki Palace
In Ancient Greek mythology, Pan is the god of forests, flocks, and wild nature, traditionally depicted with goat legs and horns. He frequently pursued forest nymphs. The most famous myth involves Syrinx who, fleeing from Pan who was in love with her, transformed into river reeds. Out of these, the grieving god later crafted the first panpipes – the syrinx.
The action unfolds against a natural backdrop. The centre of the composition is occupied by the figure of a young, semi-nude woman running swiftly to the right, attempting to hide in the tall reeds. A soft pink drapery flutters in the wind on her shoulders. On the left, emerging from the shade of dense trees, is the dark-skinned, muscular figure of Pan pursuing the girl.
The space is devoid of detailed ornamentation, allowing the author to focus the viewer's attention on the dramatic interaction between the two characters.