Faun Attacking a Snake

Unknown, artist; Andrea Mantegna

Cleveland Museum of Art

The image depicts a faun attacking a snake. The faun is standing on the left side of the image and is barefoot, with a cloth wrapped around his waist. He has two horns on his forehead, pointed ears, and a beard. His right arm is raised above his head, holding a dagger or sword. His left hand grips the snake's neck. The snake is coiled around his left arm and is positioned on the right side of the image. The faun's body is muscular and hairy. The background of the image is shaded gray with diagonal lines. There are some plants drawn on the ground near the bottom of the image. On the right side of the image, there is a vertical line of text that reads "OT MIC IN DIVI HERCYLI." The overall style of the drawing is detailed and realistic.