Reclining Pan

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The artist, Italian master Francesco da Sangallo, crafted this masterpiece around 1535. The sculpture measures 63.5 x 134 x 59.1 cm and resides in the Saint Louis Art Museum. Scanned in 2018, it showcases Pan reclining on a rocky base amidst lush grape clusters and vines. His left hand grasps a goatskin called a nebris that hangs around his neck. The intricate details, including a small salamander carved among the rocks, create a rustic atmosphere fitting for Pan, the half-goat, half-human god of forests, fields, and flocks. Pan is infamous for his lecherous nature, which is cleverly alluded to in the sculpture. In Pan's right hand lies a reed pipe, or syrinx, symbolizing the maiden Syrinx who was transformed into reeds to escape Pan's advances. Da Sangallo skillfully carved this piece from recycled ancient marble that originally served as a fountain; its water spout remains visible at the top of the sack above his right arm.