Home > Arts > Pop art > Contemporary art > Contemporary art gallery
1560 Gesners Salzberg Satyr
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
1560 Gesners Salzberg Satyr
Gesner woodcut with contemporary colouring from " Icones Animalium" Publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560. Gesner illustrates a creature captured in the forest of Hanesbergium in the diocese of Salzberg." Of a reddish colour verging on blond; of a marked savagery, fleeing from men, and when able hiding in darkness. Keeping him in captivity was not possible because of his need to eat, so he died after a few days. His back feet were different from his front and considerably longer - he was captured in the year of grace 1531". The image clearly shows a female and it is possible Gesner is also referencing a sphinx which in the middle age was represented with a monkeys body and griffins feet
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6347951
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
16th Century Animalium Austria Bestiary Colour Conrad Cryptozoology Demon Early Folk Lore Gesner Gessner Historiae Icones Middle Ages Monster Natural History Satyr Wood Cut Cryptid Salzberg Sphinx
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Arts
> Landscape paintings
> Forest and woodland scenes
> Forest artwork
> Arts
> Pop art
> Contemporary art
> Contemporary art gallery
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the 1560 Gesners Salzberg Satyr, a fascinating creature depicted in a woodcut from "Icones Animalium" published by Christof Froschover in Zurich. The image, beautifully colored with contemporary hues, portrays a reddish-blonde creature of marked savagery. According to Conrad Gesner's account, this elusive being was captured in the forest of Hanesbergium within the diocese of Salzberg. The satyr displayed an instinctual fear of humans and sought refuge in darkness whenever possible. Unfortunately, attempts to keep it captive were unsuccessful due to its voracious appetite, leading to its demise after only a few days. Notably, the satyr possessed distinct features: its hind feet differed from its front ones and were considerably longer. Gesner's illustration hints at potential references beyond mere zoology; he may also be alluding to medieval depictions of sphinxes that featured monkey-like bodies and griffin-like feet. This connection adds another layer of intrigue to this enigmatic creature. Transporting us back to early 16th-century Austria, this artwork blends elements of natural history and folklore seamlessly. It offers glimpses into cryptozoology and lycanthropy while evoking the mystical aura associated with bestiaries from the Middle Ages. Paul D. Stewart's skillful capture immortalizes this mesmerizing piece for our contemplation—a testament to both artistic talent and scientific curiosity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
