Bacchus Seated on a Barrel between Amor and Music

c. 1590

Jan Sadeler I, after Joos van Winghe

Associated Names
Jan Sadeler I

Artist, Netherlandish, 1550 - 1600

Joos van Winghe

Artist After, Netherlandish, 1544 - 1603

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • 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.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.15.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 477

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2022

  • The Renaissance in the North: New Prints and Perspectives, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2022.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vol. XXI (Johannes Sadeler I). Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, no. 477.

2014

  • C. G. Boerner, LLC. Neue Lagerliste 133 New York, 2014: no 477.

Inscriptions

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.

Markings

none

Wikidata ID

Q77008378

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