Figure Faun with Flute, Wedgwood, circa 1870

The “Piping Faun” is a marble sculpture by the Italian master Gianlorenzo Bernini. It is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France and is considered one of his masterpieces. Created in the mid-17th century, the sculpture depicts a faun (a mythical creature in classical mythology, part man and part goat) playing a pan flute. The faun is depicted in a moment of musical ecstasy, with his body twisting and his expression conveying a sense of exultation. The intricate detailing of the sculpture, including the individual hairs on the faun’s skin and the lush vegetation surrounding him, are hallmarks of Bernini’s Baroque style. The “Piping Faun” is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of art from the Baroque era and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre Museum.