Artwork
Bacchanal with Silenus
Bacchanal with Silenus is a print by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Antonio da Brescia. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Bacchanal with Silenus is a print created through a re-engraving process initiated by Andrea Mantegna due to wear on his original plates. The result is a vibrant depiction of a chaotic, drunken revelry featuring Silenus and satyrs amidst a rocky landscape, characterized by sharp lines and bold shadows.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays a wild bacchanal, emphasizing the frenzied movement of drunken figures and mythological creatures like Silenus, evoking the intense energy of ancient Roman revelry.
Technique & Style
Re-engraved by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia on a less worn copperplate with expertly mixed inks, this print achieves strong contrasts and deep, sharp lines, giving it a sculptural quality reminiscent of Roman sarcophagi reliefs.
History & Provenance
Originally engraved by Mantegna, the plate's wear prompted a re-engraving commission to Da Brescia, resulting in this version with enhanced visual clarity and depth.
Context
Mantegna's inspiration from Roman sarcophagi is evident in the print's relief-like appearance, bridging ancient classical influences with Renaissance artistic practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Antonio da Brescia was an Italian engraver of northern Italy, active in the approximate period 1490–1519, during the Italian Renaissance.
