The Drunken Silenus

1628

Jusepe de Ribera

Associated Names
Jusepe de Ribera

Artist, Spanish, 1591 - 1652

The image shows multiple figures set in a rustic scene. In the center, there is a mostly nude corpulent figure lying down with a draped cloth covering parts of their body. They have short curly hair with grape leaves. To the left, two satyrs are present. One is leaning over the central figure, seemingly arranging grape leaves around their head, while the other is holding a cup. The satyrs have goat-like features, horns, and human-goat bodies. Barrels, buckets, grapes, and vines are scattered around, suggesting a vineyard or winemaking setting. In the background, a donkey is visible with its mouth open, and another satyr is observing the scene. The setting portrays a mythical scene of satyrs and Bacchic revelry.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (cut within platemark): 27.2 x 35.3 cm (10 11/16 x 13 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.71.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Brown 1973, no. 14, State i/iii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Julius Hofmann [1840-1913], Vienna (Lugt 1264); (sale, Sotheby's London, 1 July 1992, no. 239). (Silvana Bareggi, Milan); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2004

  • Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2004 - 2005

2018

  • Sense of Humor: Caricature, Satire, and the Comical in Prints and Drawings from Leonardo to the Present, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2018 - 2019.

Bibliography

1973

  • Brown, Jonathan. Jusepe de Ribera: Prints and Drawings. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1973.

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, at lower right in image: Joseph a Ribera Hisp. Valenti / Setaben f. Partenope / 1628; verso: at lower left in later hand in graphite: 2063

Markings

recto: none; verso: Julius Hofmann (Lugt 1264)

Watermarks

none


You may be interested in

Loading Results