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Brangwyn began his career in the workshop of William Morris (1834-1896), at the age of fifteen. He travelled widely in his early years developing a rapid technique and an enthusiasm for strong colours and chiaroscuro. He made his reputation with a series of dramatic sea-faring pictures between 1889 and 1902, but was always better known abroad than in Britain. Probably executed around 1907, this composition reflects Brangwyn's knowledge of the seventeenth century Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678), who painted several pictures of nymphs and satyrs merrymaking. It was acquired by Goscombe John, a friend of the artist, and lent to the Cardiff 1913-14 Exhibition of Works by Certain Modern Artists of Welsh Birth or Extraction.