Artwork
Bacchus Seated on a Barrel and Holding Grapes
Bacchus Seated on a Barrel and Holding Grapes is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jonas Silber. It dates from 1582 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The date "1582" is stamped in the corner, hinted at by the style of the buildings and the way the lines are etched.
This round image shows a man sitting on a barrel surrounded by vines and grapes. Behind him, a city with tall spires and winding streets stretches into the distance. Tiny figures walk along bridges and climb hills, while swirling clouds frame the top.
The date "1582" is stamped in the corner, hinted at by the style of the buildings and the way the lines are etched. The artist used fine, crisscrossing lines to build up shadows and details.
Next, check out engraving to see how artists like this one carved intricate scenes into metal plates.
Overview
Bacchus Seated on a Barrel and Holding Grapes is a print created by Jonas Silber in 1582 using punch engraving on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The circular composition depicts the mythological figure Bacchus sitting on a barrel amidst vines and grapes, set against a backdrop of a distant cityscape with spires, winding streets, and tiny figures.
Technique & Style
The image is characterized by fine, crisscrossing lines that build up shadows and details, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship in the engraving process.
Artist & collection
