Bacchus en Ampelus 1616 - 1657

Pieter Serwouters created this print, Bacchus en Ampelus, using etching techniques. In this pastoral scene, the figures of Bacchus, the god of wine, and his companion Ampelus, are set within an Arcadian landscape. The narrative illustrates the story of love, loss, and transformation. In classical mythology, Ampelus dies tragically and is then transformed into a vine by Bacchus, commemorating their bond. Considering the historic preference for mythological subjects, the emotional depth of Serwouters' work is quite radical. It dares to explore themes of male love and grief within a context that often preferred heroic or moralistic narratives. The intimacy between Bacchus and Ampelus challenges the hetero-normative ideals that prevailed in art and society. It also brings to the fore the transformative power of love in the face of mortality. This print reflects how personal experiences and emotions can be woven into classical tales, enabling the exploration of themes that resonate deeply across time.