The Birth of Bacchus, from "The Loves of the Gods" 1526 - 1536

Giulio Bonasone created this print called “The Birth of Bacchus” in Italy during the 16th century, as part of a series called "The Loves of the Gods". The image illustrates the Greek myth of Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, and is a classical subject that would have been very fashionable at the time. The setting is naturalistic, and the figures idealized. The composition is reminiscent of ancient sculpture, reflecting the prevailing Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity. But we might also consider the culture of printmaking in 16th century Italy, which saw artists like Bonasone acting almost as entrepreneurs, producing images for an expanding market of collectors and enthusiasts. Prints like this would have made classical imagery more widely accessible, and they reflect the changing place of art in society. By consulting historical texts and visual sources, we can better understand how Bonasone's print both reflected and shaped the cultural values of its time.