Bust of a Man. Allegory of Bacchus c. 1868

"Bust of a Man. Allegory of Bacchus" is a painting by the Spanish artist Mariano Fortuny Marsal, completed in 1868. This artwork depicts a man's bust, possibly a self-portrait, with a dark background and a hint of red on the left side. Fortuny's loose and gestural brushstrokes capture the subject's likeness with a sense of immediacy, creating a powerful and intimate portrait. The subject is likely Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, as the painting is titled, further suggesting Fortuny’s exploration of classical mythology and its association with his personal experiences. The artwork's use of dark and earthy tones evokes a mood of sensuality and mystery, characteristic of Fortuny's style.