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A Bacchanalian Revel Before a Term

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A Bacchanalian Revel Before a Term
ArtistNicolas Poussin
Year1632-1633
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions98 cm × 142.8 cm (39 in × 56.2 in)
LocationNational Gallery, London

A Bacchanalian Revel Before a Term[a] is an oil painting by Nicolas Poussin, dated to 1632–1633. It is now in the National Gallery, in London.[1]

Description

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The principal group consists of two nymphs[b] and two fauns (emblem of the four seasons), dancing joyously in a ring. While thus performing their rounds, one of the former is squeezing the juice of grapes from her hand on two bacchanalian boys, who are struggling together to catch it; a third, overcome with its potent effects, lies asleep near them. In the opposite side is a term[c] adorned with flowers, in front of which is a satyr endeavouring to embrace a nymph who in her struggles has fallen. One of her companions has seized the sylvan by the horn, and is about to inflict a blow on him with an empty golden vase, but is prevented by the prostrate female, and also by one of the dancers. A thick grove bounds the view on this side and on the other is a rocky landscape represented under the aspect of a fine evening.[2]

Smith (1837) comments, "This chef d'œuvre of art is a highly classic and poetical exposition of the mystic rites of the sylvan deity".[3] On the other hand, Wright (1985) considers this picture "One of Poussin's few attempts at the genuinely humorous."[4]

Provenance

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Also catalogued as A Bacchanalian Dance and Revel in Honour of Pan (Smith, 1837), Bacchanal before a Herm (Blunt, 1966), Bacchanal before a Term of Pan (Wright, 1985), and otherwise.
  2. ^ Or perhaps maenads, the revelrous followers of Bacchus.[1]
  3. ^ Traditionally identified as a statue of Pan, but could also represent Priapus.[1] Sometimes called a Herm.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "A Bacchanalian Revel before a Term (NG62)". National Gallery.
  2. ^ Smith 1837, viii, 116–117.
  3. ^ Smith 1837, viii, 116.
  4. ^ Wright 1985, 176.

Bibliography

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