Sirens, satyrs and sphinxes

Feb 20, 2018 to May 27, 2018

Men with goat’s legs and women with a lion’s body – European art is filled with mythical creatures that are half-human and half-animal. Inspired by the stories from classical antiquity, artists filled their work with fauns, nymphs, satyrs and sphinxes.

In ancient Greek and Roman times, people believed that these mythical creatures lived in nature. Later artists drew on this and used mythical creatures to express mankind’s dark forces. Aggression, lust, violence and pleasure took the form of satyrs and nymphs.

This exhibition presents a selection of drawings and prints featuring mythical creatures from the collection of Teylers Museum. Get enchanted by savage centaurs and luring sirens.

Simon Braun (1834-1875) after Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
The two satyrs, ca. 1860
Lithography on paper