Pan at The Palace of Versailles, France

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This stunning marble sculpture depicts Pan, a revered deity from Greek mythology, set amidst the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Versailles in France. Crafted by French sculptor Simon Maziere between 1686 and 1689, it showcases Pan's majesty as the god of nature, shepherds, and wild animals. His name originates from the ancient Greek word "paein," meaning to pasture, reflecting his connection to fields, groves, and wooded glens. In Greek mythology, Pan is often depicted with the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, much like a faun or satyr. As the god of rustic music, he's closely associated with nature's splendor and the season of spring. The ancient Greeks also regarded him as the patron deity of theatrical criticism. In Roman mythology, Pan's counterpart is Faunus, a nature god who's the father of Bona Dea and closely linked to Sylvanus due to their shared connections to woodlands. Throughout history, Pan has evolved into a significant figure in Western Europe's Romantic movement and 20th-century Neopaganism. Interestingly, an area in the Golan Heights known as the Panion or Panium is associated with this revered deity. The city of Caesarea Philippi, where the Battle of Panium took place, features natural springs, grottos, and shrines dedicated to Pan's worship. This incredible sculpture is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, simply email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help make this project a reality.