The artwork titled “Inlay, Satyr” was created by an artist from Ancient Egypt around 100 BC to 100 AD. It belongs to the Hellenistic period and falls under the genre of symbolic painting.
Looking at the artwork, it appears to be a crafted inlay rather than a painting, possibly made of glass or a similar material, due to its sheen and the way the different colors are segmented. This piece presents a stylized representation of a satyr, a figure often associated with ancient Greek mythology, characterized by its unruly hair and often associated with Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities.
The satyr’s face is prominent, depicted with a vivid yellow color for the skin, surrounded by a textured white area representing the hair. Its eyes are wide and detailed with red and black lines, giving off a sense of intensity or wildness. The expression is accentuated by the use of red for the lips and detailing around the eyes, adding a dramatic contrast to the facial depiction. The background of the inlay is a solid, dark green color, which sets off the face, drawing the viewer’s focus immediately to the central figure. The condition of the piece suggests it may have been buried or stored in a way that it accumulated some debris and signs of aging over the centuries. The craftsmanship hints at a sophisticated understanding of materials and artistry, demonstrating the cultural exchange between Egypt and Greece during the Hellenistic era.