
Read the visual description
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
- 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.