Head of a Satyr (Silenus)

Head of a Satyr (Silenus) by Peter Paul Rubens is an expressive drawing dating from the mature period of the artist’s career, circa 1615-1635. Executed in black chalk and brush and brown wash, this detailed study captures the raw, mythological subject of the satyr, often specifically identified as the perpetually intoxicated Silenus due to the figure’s aged, jowled features. Classified as a drawing, the piece demonstrates Rubens’s profound interest in classical antiquity channeled through the robust, dramatic intensity typical of the Baroque style.

Rubens’s skillful application of media is evident in the dynamic contrast between the sharp black chalk lines defining the facial contours and the broad application of the brown wash. This technique adds substantial volume and shadow, giving the Satyr a deeply modeled, almost sculptural presence despite being a work on paper. The artist meticulously captured the specific characteristics associated with satyrs, including the pointed ears and deeply furrowed brow, emphasizing the primal energy inherent in the mythological figure.

These powerful character studies were fundamental to the Baroque master’s workshop practice, often serving as references for figures in larger oil paintings or tapestry designs. They allowed Rubens to rapidly explore complex expressions and figure modeling before committing to canvas. This original work is housed in the prestigious collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a historically significant piece by Rubens, high-resolution images of the drawing are often made available through the public domain, facilitating research and allowing institutions and collectors to access detailed digital prints of the expressive Silenus head.