Two satyrs catching a hare

The overdoor Two satyrs catching a hare is woven in wool and silk modeled on the works of Fedele Fischetti (Napoli, 1732 – 1792), with motifs taken from Greek mythology.

The scene portrayed, centered on the two satyrs, is brought into focus by various natural elements that frame the work, such as plants, flowers, and animals. Both satyrs are depicted with their arms raised, intent on catching a hare.

With their sometimes-lascivious behavior, devoted to wine and other entertainment, the satyrs, or fauns, belong to the court of the gods Pan and Dionysus. They are generally represented as bearded human beings, but with ears, tail, and horns, as well as with equine or goat legs.

As a symbol of fertility and the vital force of nature, they are, without a doubt, among the subjects that recur most in the works dedicated to the mythical inhabitants of the woods.