“Two satyrs, mythical creatures from ancient lore, are brought to life through the exquisite detail of this 1937 engraving. Look closely to appreciate the intricate line work that gives texture and depth to their forms and their woodland setting.”
In this engraving, two satyrs emerge from a dark, leafy background, their forms rendered with incredible detail. One satyr, with a mischievous grin, holds up a bunch of grapes, while the other, more pensive, gazes out. The intricate lines and cross-hatching create a rich texture, giving depth to their fur, the gnarled tree trunk, and the dense foliage. This work, created in 1937, showcases the precise craftsmanship characteristic of engraving, a medium that demands meticulous control and foresight. The scene evokes classical mythology, presenting these half-human, half-goat creatures in a moment of quiet interaction, inviting viewers into their sylvan world. It's a testament to the artist's skill in transforming a flat copper plate into a vibrant, three-dimensional tableau.
- Artist
- Stephen Gooden
- Date
- 1937
- Medium
- engraving
- Location
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- [object Object]
- Collection
- Prints
- Culture
- England, 20th century
- Credit line
- Gift of Carole W. and Charles B. Rosenblatt
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

The intricate texture of the satyrs' fur, created by fine lines.
The playful expression on the face of the satyr holding grapes.
The detailed rendering of the leaves and branches in the background.
The way light and shadow define the satyrs' muscular forms.
1 more detail is waiting.
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Stephen Gooden
1892–1955 · United KingdomMaster engraver whose St George design for Windsor Castle became the George Medal worn by British heroes.
Further Works by Gooden
The Fables of Jean de la Fontaine: The Swan and the Cook
1929 · Cleveland Museum of Art
The Swan and the Cook
1929 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Bill and a Wooden Block
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Gargoyle
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Lion Tearing at a Sack
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": Cock Key
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": Frontispiece
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": Peronnik the Fool
1933 · Cleveland Museum of Art
More works to explore
Beyond Gooden: works from the same years.
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Straße mit Passanten bei Nachtbeleuchtung
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1927 · Museum Frieder Burda
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Inventions of the Monsters
Salvador Dalí · 1937 · Art Institute of Chicago
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On the Threshold of Liberty
René Magritte · 1937 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1920s–1950s
Women Harvesting
Paul Klee · 1937 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1920s–1950s
Still Life with Fruits and Stringed Instrument
Georges Braque · 1938 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1920s–1950s
White Crucifixion
Marc Chagall · 1938 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1920s–1950s
Composition (No. 1) Gray-Red
Piet Mondrian · 1935 · Art Institute of Chicago
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Garden Airplane-Trap
Max Ernst · 1935 · Art Institute of Chicago
