Satyr Family (Pan and his Family), from the Scherzi

The etching Satyr Family (Pan and his Family), from the Scherzi by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, created between 1738 and 1755, is a compelling example of the artist's inventive printmaking. This piece belongs to the famed Scherzi di fantasia (Whims of Fancy), a suite of atmospheric caprices known for their cryptic subject matter and evocative quality. Tiepolo’s mastery of the etching technique is evident in the striking contrasts and textural depth he achieved, utilizing delicate lines characteristic of the process to define musculature and foliage. The Scherzi are widely regarded as pivotal works in the history of Italian prints, demonstrating the artist’s skill beyond his celebrated fresco commissions.

The central composition focuses on a grouping of mythological figures, centered on the powerful figure of Pan, identifiable by his goat legs and distinctly rustic features. This depiction of the Satyr Family shows the goat-god interacting with female satyrs and satyr children in a wild setting, reflecting classical iconography surrounding fertility and the untamed aspects of nature. While the scene appears domestic, the inclusion of several prominent Owls perched nearby introduces an element of the mysterious or the ominous, figures often interpreted as symbols of night, wisdom, or melancholy in 18th-century art. Tiepolo frequently utilized such mythological groupings to explore themes of rustic life and the ambiguity inherent in the natural world.

This etching reflects a departure from the grand historical narratives for which Tiepolo is most famous, providing unique insight into his private imaginative output. The work is held in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a significant 18th-century Italian print and now part of the public domain, this artwork remains an invaluable resource for studying the evolution of graphic arts and the creative genius of Tiepolo.