Dronken tamboer met roemer en toorts 1695 - 1724

This engraving, made by Jacob Gole around the late 17th century, depicts a jovial drummer, a friend to Ceres and Bacchus, gods of agriculture and wine. He holds a goblet and a flaming torch. Observe how the goblet, overflowing with fruit and wine, is not merely a vessel but a symbol of abundance and earthly pleasure, echoing the ancient Roman festivals of Bacchus. The torch, traditionally a symbol of enlightenment, here takes on a Dionysian twist, illuminating the ecstatic revelry of the moment. This motif of intoxication transcends time, reappearing in countless bacchanalian scenes throughout art history. Think of Titian's "Bacchus and Ariadne," where wine induces frenzy. The imagery of intoxication takes on different forms across cultures, yet its psychological impact remains constant. The shared human experience of altered states, be it through wine or ritual, taps into a primal need for release. Such symbols have a cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving as humanity continues to grapple with its subconscious desires and the intoxication of life itself.