Bacchus op handen gedragen 1601 - 1657

Editor: Here we have "Bacchus op handen gedragen," or "Bacchus Carried on Hands," an engraving from sometime between 1601 and 1657, made by Pieter Serwouters. It's brimming with figures in this chaotic celebration...a very different aesthetic from what's trending now. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Chaotic, yes, a glorious, boisterous chaos! This print, though small, captures the very essence of the Baroque. Imagine stepping back into a time when artists reveled in dynamic movement and exuberant emotion. I feel swept up in the revelry, almost hearing the echo of trumpets and tambourines. Isn’t it intriguing how Serwouters manages to convey so much energy within such a constrained space? Editor: It is fascinating how much movement is captured, it is overwhelming. It looks like there is also a satyr. Is there a story that explains what’s happening here? Curator: Spot on! The satyr, the overflowing scene…it all speaks of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and theatre. Forget solemn deities perched on Olympus, we have here the wild, earthly energy of Dionysus – his Greek counterpart. This print reminds me of wild bacchanals, frenzied celebrations honouring him, blurring the line between divine and human. Do you see how the figures seem to teeter on the edge of frenzy, their movements exaggerated and limbs intertwined? Editor: Yes! It seems…uncontrolled. You feel as if things might collapse any minute. I hadn’t thought of how theatrical the engraving is. Curator: Exactly! The engraving is like a still from a play! But don't get lost in the story only, what feelings emerge? Close your eyes and just imagine feeling yourself among the figures. What did Bacchus and his devotees feel about life? Editor: Exuberance...freedom. And you’ve shown me that what I thought was chaotic now looks celebratory and full of life. I guess that is one story we all can use! Curator: Beautiful. And isn’t it amazing how art, even something as seemingly "historical" as this engraving, can tap into something primal within us all? This Bacchanal captures our very human desires and instincts and I've got the craving for a good ripe grape right now. What about you?