Bacchanal 1625 - 1665

Michel Dorigny created this drawing, Bacchanal, in the 17th century. It depicts a scene of revelry associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, freedom, and ecstasy. Created in France, this artwork aligns with the period's broader cultural interest in classical themes. Such subjects were favoured by the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Dorigny himself worked within the orbit of this institution. Note how the figures' poses and idealized bodies reflect academic principles. The flowing lines and dynamic composition evoke a sense of movement and energy, characteristic of Baroque art. The scene hints at the social function of art during the time. It was a tool for the elite to display their knowledge of classical culture. To fully understand this work, we can consult historical texts, social histories of art, and institutional records. This contextual research illuminates the social dynamics and cultural values of the era.