
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
- 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.