Bacchus 

Joachim Wtewael painted ‘Bacchus’ with oil on canvas sometime in the early 17th century. While the subject is the Roman god of wine, pleasure and ecstasy, my eye is drawn to the glass in his hand, and the wine contained within. The Venetians were the masters of glassmaking at this time, and their techniques required great skill and artistry. The clarity and refinement of Venetian glass was highly sought after by wealthy elites who could afford to indulge in such luxuries. As wine consumption grew in the 17th century, so did the demand for fine glassware to enhance the drinking experience. Through its refined craftsmanship, the glass elevates the act of drinking into a refined and sophisticated experience. This wasn’t just any old tipple, but a performance of wealth and taste. It speaks volumes about how art, craft, and consumption are interwoven, reflecting social status, and the pursuit of pleasure.