The theme stems from one of Aesop's fables, which Jordaens painted in several versions. A satyr is visiting a peasant and is extremely angry that he at first warms his hands by blowing on them and, similarly, cools his soup the same way. This prompts the satyr to leave the house in great haste. - Since this work was intended to convey a moral message - a warning about the deviousness of people - the satyr has a more didactic than daunting effect.