The image shows a scene with a group of figures under a canopy of trees. The perspective is slightly elevated and frontal, with no distinct horizon line due to the dense foliage. The artwork features intricate, fine lines and cross-hatching for detailed textures. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of brown. There are figures reclining and seated on the left and more figures under a tree on the right. In the center, two figures are engaged in a dance, with one holding a tambourine. The background is filled with trees and branches, creating a textured natural setting.
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The image shows a scene with a group of figures under a canopy of trees. The perspective is slightly elevated and frontal, with no distinct horizon line due to the dense foliage. The artwork features intricate, fine lines and cross-hatching for detailed textures. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of brown. There are figures reclining and seated on the left and more figures under a tree on the right. In the center, two figures are engaged in a dance, with one holding a tambourine. The background is filled with trees and branches, creating a textured natural setting.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bacchanal with a Dancing Couple in the Center

Willem Basse

Medium
etching with engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 7.4 x 13 cm (2 15/16 x 5 1/8 in.) sheet: 7.5 x 13.1 cm (2 15/16 x 5 3/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2004.97.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Dutch
  • etching
  • engraving
  • group
  • figure
  • Nude
  • Dancer
  • Forest
  • Musical instrument
Provenance

Christopher Lennox-Boyd, Oxfordshire (not in Lugt); (James A. Bergquist, Newton Center, MA); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Inscription

lower left in plate: W. basse f.

NGA object ID 130389. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.