Bacchanten met wijnkruik 1652 - 1707

Franz Ertinger created this print, "Bacchanten met wijnkruik", sometime in the 17th century. The artwork offers a window into the visual culture of the Baroque period, characterized by its dramatic, sensual, and often idealized representations. Here we see a gathering of Bacchantes, the female followers of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and theatre. Ertinger's choice to depict these figures offers insight into the cultural fascination with classical mythology. The scene unfolds as an exploration of sensuality and communal ecstasy, yet we must consider that the male artist's gaze shapes the narrative and the depiction of female bodies. The print invites us to consider the historical context and question the narrative being presented. How does the lens of the artist affect the way the Bacchantes are portrayed, and what might this tell us about the roles and perceptions of women in the 17th century?