This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered around a grapevine and wine-making scene. The drawing features various figures engaged in activities centered around wine and festivities. A number of figures are entwined with grapevines, while others appear to be serving or consuming wine. Among them, a bearded figure crowns another with grapes. The scene seems to take place outdoors, under a large vine-laden tree. There is a sense of revelry, depicted through the relaxed postures and the interaction between the figures. The detailed engraving captures the classical style, emphasizing musculature and drapery typical of this form of art.
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This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered around a grapevine and wine-making scene. The drawing features various figures engaged in activities centered around wine and festivities. A number of figures are entwined with grapevines, while others appear to be serving or consuming wine. Among them, a bearded figure crowns another with grapes. The scene seems to take place outdoors, under a large vine-laden tree. There is a sense of revelry, depicted through the relaxed postures and the interaction between the figures. The detailed engraving captures the classical style, emphasizing musculature and drapery typical of this form of art.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bacchanal with a Wine Vat

Andrea Mantegna

Date
before 1481
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 33.2 x 45 cm (13 1/16 x 17 11/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1954.11.1
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Paduan
  • engraving
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Bacchanal
Watermarks

Small Circle. Cf Br. 2925-7 (Nantes 1484 – Troyes 1552).

NGA object ID 42942. 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.