Satyr and Bacchante

In Greek mythology, satyrs are half-human nature spirits and companions of Dionysus, the god of wine. They symbolise the human passions. In Voet’s copperplate engraving, the smiling satyr is accompanied by a nymph who is helping herself to the enticing fruits in his basket. The fruit represents temptation and pleasure, and the scene can also be interpreted as a warning of the dangers of a lack of restraint and intemperate sensuality.