Pan and Nymph

The canvas depicts an Ancient Greek mythological subject featuring Pan, the god of the wild, and the nymph Syrinx. In its style, the work demonstrates a distinct influence of the Italian academic school of the 17th–18th centuries. The painting is rendered in warm, restrained pink, dark green, olive, and brown tones.
In Ancient Greek mythology, Pan is the god of forests, flocks, and wild nature, traditionally depicted with goat legs and horns. He frequently pursued forest nymphs. The most famous myth involves Syrinx who, fleeing from Pan who was in love with her, transformed into river reeds. Out of these, the grieving god later crafted the first panpipes – the syrinx.
The action unfolds against a natural backdrop. The centre of the composition is occupied by the figure of a young, semi-nude woman running swiftly to the right, attempting to hide in the tall reeds. A soft pink drapery flutters in the wind on her shoulders. On the left, emerging from the shade of dense trees, is the dark-skinned, muscular figure of Pan pursuing the girl.
The space is devoid of detailed ornamentation, allowing the author to focus the viewer's attention on the dramatic interaction between the two characters.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery