Bacchanal n.d.

Claude Gillot's "Bacchanal," a red chalk drawing, depicts a lively scene of revelry. The drawing features a group of figures, possibly satyrs and nymphs, engaging in a bacchanalian feast. The central focus is a large barrel, suggesting wine, and a goat, symbolic of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, revelry, and fertility. Gillot, known for his theatrical and often humorous depictions of mythology, masterfully captures the chaotic joy and uninhibited nature of a bacchanalian celebration. The drawing's expressive lines and delicate shading enhance the sense of movement and exuberance. This study, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a testament to Gillot's artistic talent and the enduring power of his depiction of the bacchanal theme.