A Bacchanal, Silenus supported by two bacchants in the centre, at left a female satyr reclining on a bed and another holding onto the horns on a statue of Priapus while she tries to impale herself on his phallus, various other figures fill the composition 1505 - 1515

"A Bacchanal," by Marcantonio Raimondi, probably made in the early 16th century, captures a scene of unrestrained revelry on a printed sheet. Inspired by ancient Roman festivals honoring Bacchus, the god of wine, these bacchanals were notorious for their ecstatic and often violent celebrations, where social norms were abandoned. Raimondi renders a chaotic scene filled with figures in various states of intoxication and abandon. The composition includes Silenus, a companion of Bacchus, supported by bacchants, and a female satyr engaging in a disturbing interaction with a statue of Priapus. This print offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between classical mythology and the Renaissance imagination. By depicting such a scene, Raimondi not only showcased his technical skill but also engaged with contemporary discourses around morality, sexuality, and the human condition. How might the overt display of sexuality and abandonment challenge or reinforce the social norms of the 16th century? The raw emotion and physicality of the figures invites you to reflect on the interplay between desire, control, and societal expectations.