Silenus with the Young Bacchus c. 19th century

Curator: Henri-Guillaume Chatillon’s rendering of Silenus with the Young Bacchus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, is a striking black and white engraving. Editor: The high contrast immediately gives it a dramatic, almost confrontational mood, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Absolutely. Silenus, the foster father of Bacchus, is a figure deeply tied to revelry, wisdom, and prophecy. The image invokes classical ideals, yet also hints at the complex, often contradictory nature of these figures. Editor: I'm struck by the way the artist uses line work to define form and texture. It is very precise. The way the folds are expressed, especially on the draped cloth, almost gives it a sculptural presence, it looks like stone. Curator: Indeed. The depiction of Silenus echoes older, pastoral themes, hinting at cycles of learning and mentorship. Bacchus, or Dionysus, embodies not only chaos but liberation and ecstasy as well. Editor: It all brings to mind the power of art to translate complex figures and mythologies into visual form. Curator: A very good point; seeing this piece gives one a renewed appreciation for Chatillon’s ability to make that power visible.