Bacchus c. 19th century

Curator: This is Ernest Meissonier's "Bacchus", currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Look at how Meissonier explores themes of labor and leisure through the lens of classical mythology. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the raw energy, the celebratory abandon of Bacchus atop the barrel. It’s an etching, yet it feels almost sculptural in its dynamism. Curator: Indeed, the etching process itself, the act of incising the metal plate, mirrors the labor involved in wine production. Note the second, smaller facial sketch in the top right. Editor: The figure of Bacchus seems to burst forth from the barrel, a reminder of the intoxicating power of art and creation. You can almost feel the ripple effects of his joy. Curator: Precisely, and consider the social context; Meissonier was known for his historical paintings, but here, he engages with a timeless subject, filtered through his meticulous technique. Editor: It's like glimpsing a moment of pure, unadulterated feeling, caught in the cross-hatching of history. Meissonier's wine barrel is an invitation to savor the beautiful moments.