Triomf van Bacchus 1543

"Triomf van Bacchus" (1543) by Cornelis Bos (1510-1556) is a detailed pen-and-ink drawing depicting the triumphant procession of the Roman god Bacchus. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, shows Bacchus riding in a chariot drawn by panthers, surrounded by revelers and satyrs. The scene is filled with lively details, including a cityscape in the background and a series of smaller vignettes. Bos’s meticulous and dynamic style captures the exuberance and excess associated with the Bacchic cult, showcasing the artist’s mastery of line and composition. The drawing is a fine example of 16th-century Netherlandish art, reflecting a fascination with classical mythology and a skillful rendering of human figures.