Artwork

Bacchus enfant

Bacchus enfant, by Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, marquise de Pompadour, ink, 1782
Bacchus enfant, by Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, marquise de Pompadour, ink, 1782

Bacchus enfant is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, marquise de Pompadour. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The etching process involves scratching a design into a metal plate, which is then used to print the image.

This painting shows a young Bacchus.
He's the god of wine and parties in ancient Roman mythology.
The artist made this etching in 1782, which is a pretty old technique for creating detailed images.

The etching process involves scratching a design into a metal plate, which is then used to print the image.
This method allows for a lot of fine details and textures.

You can learn more about this technique by looking up "etching".

Overview

Bacchus enfant is a 1782 etching and engraving print created by Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, marquise de Pompadour. The work depicts a youthful representation of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and festivities.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Bacchus, is portrayed in his juvenile form, drawing from ancient Roman mythology. As the god of wine and revelry, his youthful depiction may symbolize the carefree and festive aspects of his character.

Technique & Style

Executed using etching and engraving techniques, the print showcases fine details and textures achievable through these methods. Etching involved scratching the design into a metal plate, which was then used for printing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1782 by Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, marquise de Pompadour, the print's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not detailed here due to limited information.

Context

Produced in the late 18th century, Bacchus enfant reflects the ongoing European fascination with classical mythology during this period. The choice of subject and technique aligns with the artistic preferences of the time.

Legacy

The lasting impact or notable exhibitions of Bacchus enfant are not specified, indicating either limited public recognition or a lack of detailed historical records on the piece's later influence.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.