Two satyrs, one of whom is laughing

The overdoor Two satyrs, one of whom is laughing, woven in wool and silk based on the models of Fedele Fischetti (Naples, 1732 – 1792), features motifs taken from Greek mythology. It portrays two dancing and laughing satyrs, with a ram in the background.

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.

According to literary tradition, these cute beings, emblems of fertility and the vital force of nature, cheered up all the creatures of the woods with the sound of the sistrum and flute.