Bacchantenzug (Triumph des Bacchus) 

Jacob Jordaens created this ink and watercolor drawing, "Bacchantenzug," whose title translates to "Triumph of Bacchus." Jordaens lived in Antwerp during the Baroque era. The Dutch Republic had just gained independence and a new merchant class was eager to display their wealth and status through art. "Bacchantenzug" depicts the Roman god of wine, fertility, and theatre, Bacchus. Bacchus is surrounded by revellers celebrating with music and dance. There is a Pan figure to the right, a Black man to the rear, and cherubs overhead. The image is sensuous with lush figures of both male and female revellers. Their bodies are intertwined and are participating in the abundance of nature, evoking feelings of pleasure and hedonism. Jordaens re-imagines traditional mythologies through a Northern European lens. He uses light and shadow to emphasize the figures' emotional states. This highly expressive and sensual drawing transforms the viewer’s understanding of cultural and societal values.