• Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
Mar 5, 2004
Mar 5, 2004

Dancing Pan

Dancing Pan

c. 350-500

Egypt, Coptic period

Limestone with traces of red polychromy

Overall: 34 x 18.1 cm (13 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1955.68

Location

not on view

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Description

This relief sculpture demonstrates the survival of a purely pagan subject in the context of a Christian building. Even after the conversion of native Egyptians to Christianity, mythological subjects were not unusual in their art. Pan was the Greek god of woods and fields, flocks and herds, known in art by his goat's legs and pointed ears. He invented the reed pipes with which he charmed the nature goddesses known as nymphs.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Byzantine
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Limestone with traces of red polychromy
Credit line: 
John L. Severance Fund

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