Three Sleeping Sprites with a Satyr

Salomon Gessner

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts mythical creatures in a natural setting. A creature with horns rests on a grassy knoll beneath a tree, observing a group in the nearby water. In a grotto or cave-like area, three figures appear, partially submerged in water. The scene is densely etched, capturing textures of trees, grass, and flowing water. The creatures, with humanoid features, add a mythical ambiance to the scene. The drawing utilizes light and shadow to create depth and mood.