Bacchanal with a Wine Vat

before 1481

Andrea Mantegna

Associated Names
Andrea Mantegna

Artist, Paduan, c. 1431 - 1506

This is a drawing of a Bacchanalian scene with classical figures and a grapevine. It depicts a group of muscular figures engaged in a celebration around a barrel beneath a fruiting grapevine. Various poses are shown, with some figures holding or pouring liquids, while others interact with the grapes on the vine. The artwork features detailed anatomical rendering of the figures, intricate design of foliage and textures of materials like the wood of the barrel and the stone floor. Playful putti contribute to the lively and festive atmosphere. The composition is dense and dynamic, capturing the spirit of revelry and indulgence.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of W.G. Russell Allen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 27.8 x 42.2 cm (10 15/16 x 16 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1941.1.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hind 'Engravings', Vol. 5, p.13, no. 4, State only

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1973

  • Prints of the Italian Renaissance, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1973, no. 172, repro.

Bibliography

1938

  • Hind, Arthur M. Early Italian Engraving; a critical catalogue with complete reproductions of all the prints described. 7 vols. London: Bernard Quaritch Ltd., 1938-1948.

1973

  • Levenson et al. 1973, no.73 (a).

Watermarks

Crowned Shield containing Letters ‘PS’. Br. 9666-9 (Paris 1541-57, Arras 1539, St. Denis 1552)

Wikidata ID

Q64952838

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