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School of Andrea Mantegna

Faun Attacking a Snake

c. 1500
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
29.2 × 18.3 cm (11.5 × 7.2 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This engraving reproduces a pen-and-ink drawing by Andrea Mantegna, now preserved in the British Museum and dated to the period 1480/85. Because of the inscription, the subject has at times been identified as Hercules slaying the Hydra, but the pointed ears of the figure identify him as a faun. The inscription may actually refer to Ercole d'Este, Duke of Ferrara.

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