The image presents three figures in the foreground, each depicted from head to toe. The central figure is seated with legs apart on a wooden structure. They have distinct facial features, a confident expression, and wear leaves in their hair. The central figure's clothing is minimal, with fabric draped over one shoulder, while holding a drinking vessel. To the left, another figure is seated, leaning on the structure with one leg bent. This figure has elaborate hair adorned with leaves and flowers, and wears a loosely draped garment while holding an object resembling a horn. To the right, a cherubic figure, with wings, sits partially reclining, holding a torch in one hand and an arrow in the other, draped in a flowing garment. The background features lush trees, grapevines, and swirling clouds in the sky. The scene is framed by intricate detailing.
Read the visual description

The image presents three figures in the foreground, each depicted from head to toe. The central figure is seated with legs apart on a wooden structure. They have distinct facial features, a confident expression, and wear leaves in their hair. The central figure's clothing is minimal, with fabric draped over one shoulder, while holding a drinking vessel. To the left, another figure is seated, leaning on the structure with one leg bent. This figure has elaborate hair adorned with leaves and flowers, and wears a loosely draped garment while holding an object resembling a horn. To the right, a cherubic figure, with wings, sits partially reclining, holding a torch in one hand and an arrow in the other, draped in a flowing garment. The background features lush trees, grapevines, and swirling clouds in the sky. The scene is framed by intricate detailing.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bacchus Seated on a Barrel between Amor and Music

Jan Sadeler I, after Joos van Winghe

Date
c. 1590
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 44 × 29.5 cm (17 5/16 × 11 5/8 in.) sheet: 53.1 × 37.5 cm (20 7/8 × 14 3/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2015.15.1
Credit line
Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Woman
  • Tree
  • Cupid
  • Arrow
  • Male nude
Provenance

(C. G. Boerner, New York); purchased 2015 by NGA.

Inscription

lower left, in plate, in image: Jodocus a Winge figuravit; lower center, on tablet in image: VOCE. MERO. FLAMIS. / DEMULCET. RECREAT. IPLET. / AURES. COR. VENAS. / MUSICA. BACHUS. AMOR. [Music, Bacchus, Love / caresses, excites, fulfills / with her voice, with drink, with fiery passion / the ears, the heart, the veins (translation by Wouter Kloek, cat. no. 230: “Joachim Wtewael, Banquet of the Gods,” in Dawn of the Golden Age: Northern Nether-landish Art 1580–1620, exhibition catalogue, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam 1993–94, p. 558.)]; lower center, in plate, below image: ILLUSTRISSmo CAROLO AB AUSTRIA SAC. ROM IMP. MARCHIO BURGO LADG NELLEB COM I HOCHEB ; Sereniss. Bavariae Duc: chalcograph Joha Sadelr sculpt. dedic.

Marks

none

NGA object ID 168787. 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.