Bacchanaal van drie kinderen 1622 - 1691

Lorenzo Loli created this print, *Bacchanaal van drie kinderen*, which translates to "Bacchanal of three children," using etching techniques in the 17th century. This print references the classical world of ancient Greece and Rome, a common practice for artists working in Europe at this time. It's important to remember that the art world was governed by institutions like the Academy, and artists were expected to demonstrate an understanding of classical aesthetics. Loli makes clear reference to this expectation here. The image depicts a bacchanal, a ritual associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, freedom, and ecstasy. By representing the figures as children rather than adults, Loli transforms a potentially subversive subject into something charming and innocent. This was a clever move, because it allowed him to engage with classical themes while avoiding criticism from religious authorities. The Rijksmuseum's collection is a great resource for comparing Loli's approach with that of his contemporaries.