Bacchus 

Annibale Carracci's Bacchus, now in Naples, was made using oil paints on canvas, a common pairing in the late 16th century. But look closely, and you'll see that Carracci has done something special here. His manipulation of the material influences the whole feeling of the piece. The paint is applied in such a way to reflect the textures of flesh, the sheen of the goblet, and the rough organic shapes of the foliage. Notice how the handling of the paint seems to celebrate physical labor - not just the labor of painting, but also the physical presence of the god Bacchus, lord of wine and revelry. Carracci’s skill in rendering textures is key to the painting’s success, elevating the visceral qualities of the figure. In doing so, he draws on the traditions of both fine art and craft to make a lasting impression.