
Read the visual description
This is a drawing depicting mythological figures in a serene outdoor landscape. The figures are shown enjoying leisurely activities like reclining and playing musical instruments. The scene features trees, vases, and a statue hinting at classical influence. The environment exudes a sense of harmony and relaxation, evoking a pastoral or Arcadian atmosphere commonly found in mythological themes. The drawing's style reflects a classical tradition inspired by ancient Greek or Roman visual culture, emphasizing the timeless quality of pastoral idylls.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Bacchanal
Jacob Wilhelm Mechau after Giulio Carpioni
- Date
- 1770
- Medium
- etching on laid paper
- Dimensions
- plate: 24.2 x 29.9 cm (9 1/2 x 11 3/4 in.) sheet: 25.4 x 33.1 cm (10 x 13 1/16 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 2005.20.1
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1751 to 1775
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- etching
- German
- Tree
- child
- portrait
- Vase
- Rock
- Male nude
Provenance
(Kunsthandlung Helmut H. Rumber, Frankfurt am Main); purchased 2005 by NGA.
Inscription
lower left in plate: Jul. Carpioni pinx.; lower right in plate: Jac: Mechau fec: aqu. for 1770.
NGA object ID 131481. 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.