Satyr in the peasant's house Barent Fabritius (1624-1673)

The composition presents a dimly lit interior, seemingly a humble peasant dwelling. A central table dominates the space, around which several figures are gathered. The lighting is dramatic, concentrated on the immediate vicinity of the table and leaving much of the background in shadow.
To the left, a male figure with distinctly animalistic features – horns, pointed ears, and a thick beard – is seated upon a stool. His torso is bare, revealing muscularity, while his posture suggests both weariness and an unsettling observation of those around him. This individual’s presence immediately introduces an element of the fantastical into the otherwise mundane setting.
The peasant family at the table appears to be engaged in a simple meal. The man, dressed in modest attire, is seated with a somewhat stoic expression. A woman sits beside him, her face partially obscured by shadow but displaying a sense of guardedness or perhaps apprehension. Two children are present; one seems to be reaching for food on the table, while the other gazes directly at the satyr-like figure, exhibiting an unsettling mixture of curiosity and fear.
Behind them, another man stands in partial view, his face largely hidden, holding what appears to be a stringed instrument – possibly a lute or guitar – slung over his shoulder. A small dog lies near the table’s edge, adding to the domesticity of the scene.
The overall atmosphere is one of unease and ambiguity. The juxtaposition of the mythological figure with the everyday reality of peasant life creates a sense of intrusion and disruption. It suggests a blurring of boundaries between the natural world and the realm of myth, or perhaps an exploration of the darker aspects of human nature through the guise of a fantastical being. The satyr’s presence could be interpreted as a symbol of temptation, primal urges, or the unsettling potential that lies beneath the surface of even the most ordinary existence. The subdued lighting contributes to this feeling of mystery and foreboding, obscuring details and leaving room for multiple interpretations.