REST AFTER DEBAUCHERY
Attributed to Francesco da Sangallo. Reclining Pan (aka the Barberini Pan). c. 1535. White reused classical marble with colored marble details. 134 cm long. Saint Louis Art Museum.
This handsome sculpture was acquired by the Barberini family in the early 17th century. At that time, the family collection was overseen by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, the nephew of Pope Urban VIII. The sculpture stayed in the collection until 1947, when the cash-strapped heirs of the Pope and Cardinal sold it to the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) via a middleman. I’m not sure how the sale was allowed, but the museum website obliquely mentions that the sale was facilitated due to legislation enacted under Benito Mussolini.
The work depicts the lustful Arcadian god of forests, fields, and glades lying on his back in a splay-legged fashion holding a reed pipe (syrinx) in his right hand while his right arm is coddling a wineskin that once served as a fountain. His left arm is draped over his head, and his left hand is fondling a goat skin he is wearing around his neck. A salamander scurries amongst clusters of grapes at his feet (hooves). It appears he may be recovering from Bacchanalian debauchery or the unsuccessful pursuit of Syrinx as a love interest.
... hm, feel very much related with Pan!
