Romantic painting was popular throughout the Victorian era and tended to deal with mythical themes, death, beauty and eroticism. Many artists, particularly the Decadents, pushed the boundaries of ‘decency’ and challenged the often hypocritical moral standing of a society that had massive class divisions and ‘double standards’.
In this painting, Bouguereau shows a satyr from Greek mythology seemingly being dragged away by a group of nubile nymphs who intend to have their way with him. This image was highly controversial for its depiction of dominant female sexuality. The nudity was not at all controversial, but to show young women asserting their sexuality over a traditional symbol of masculinity struck a chord with the Victorian moralists, marking this work apart from most of his other more sentimental and acceptable subjects. 'Banned' from being displayed in Britain, it found its way to New York where it was hung in a hotel saloon, a traditionally male environment, though it attracted many female viewers to venture into this masculine domain and it is said to have directly inspired a local feminist culture, earning the district the nickname of “Ladies’ Mile”.
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