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Hans Baldung Grien (1484/1485 - 1545). Children mock the divinity Bacchus (Bacco) drunk under a vine. Germany, engraving from the 16th century
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Hans Baldung Grien (1484/1485 - 1545). Children mock the divinity Bacchus (Bacco) drunk under a vine. Germany, engraving from the 16th century
FGL5463970 Hans Baldung Grien (1484/1485 - 1545). Children mock the divinity Bacchus (Bacco) drunk under a vine. Germany, engraving from the 16th century.; Fototeca Gilardi
Media ID 38339996
© Fototeca Gilardi / Bridgeman Images
Alcoholism Bacchus Grape Humiliation Laughter Mockery Vine Viticulture Mythological Figure Paganism
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 16th-century engraving by Hans Baldung Grien captures a scene of youthful mischief and irreverence towards the divine figure of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry. In this intricate artwork, children are depicted mocking Bacchus as he lies in a drunken stupor under a vine, symbolizing the excesses and consequences of alcohol consumption.
The detailed portrayal of the vineyard setting adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of agriculture, botany, and viticulture. The ripe grapes hanging from the vines serve as a reminder of Bacchus' association with wine and intoxication.
The children's laughter and gestures of mockery convey a sense of youthful innocence mixed with defiance towards established religious beliefs. This act of humiliation towards a mythological figure reflects broader tensions between paganism and Christianity during the Renaissance period.
Through this print, Baldung Grien explores complex themes such as childhood, religion, science, and morality. The artist's skillful use of line work and shading brings life to each character in the scene, capturing their expressions with remarkable detail.
Overall, this engraving offers viewers an intriguing glimpse into 16th-century attitudes towards alcoholism, mythology, and youth culture. It serves as a timeless reminder that even gods can fall victim to human folly.
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