Bacchus and Ariadne 1648

Curator: It’s interesting how heavy these classical subjects can feel. There’s a robust, earthy sensuality that just jumps out at me from Jacob Jordaens’ 1648 painting, "Bacchus and Ariadne." Editor: I agree, but initially, my reaction is more on its light and shadow interplay than on the heavy mythic overtones. There’s this theatrical, dramatic sort of illumination...almost spotlighting Ariadne asleep on that golden drapery. Curator: Definitely. The spotlight makes her abandonment, you know, after Theseus dumps her on the island of Naxos, even more poignant, doesn’t it? Then, bam! Bacchus arrives with his entourage to literally crown her as his bride, which is a sweet kind of rescue-fantasy ending. Although I'm not convinced of the quality of this new male companion... Editor: Well, that's Jordaens for you. He's not trying to prettify this subject—he's interested in the fleshy physicality of Bacchus and the satyrs, the sheen of the oil paint, the contrast in textures. Look at how he renders those bodies; they seem crafted from clay, not marble. And Cupid almost looks as if he is helping Bacchus bear the weight of that crown. Curator: Clay! I love that. There's almost a roughness, or deliberate unfinish that speaks volumes. And, those lurking satyrs watching from behind the rocks… Editor: Right, those are voyeurs peering from the wings! Jordaens lets you see all the players and stagehands. It is an awareness of construction that's often omitted from pictures with divine subjects. Curator: The painting gives off a festive mood. You can feel the earthiness and warmth, not to mention a deep interest in earthly, not ethereal beauty. Perhaps the painting is meant to show that earthly beauty is as sacred and valuable. Editor: Perhaps the "genre scene" elements emphasize the communal and labor of "making" an ideal. Jordaens acknowledges those un-ideal elements. I'd also consider how the market impacted this imagery – mythological scenes like this were profitable! Curator: Fascinating! I love how Jordaens turns a rather hackneyed theme into something so vibrant and palpably human. It also makes one think differently about archetypes, and how very strange the stories and traditions we take for granted can seem at closer glance. Editor: Exactly. Next time, I hope to linger longer on these considerations around fabrication that you mentioned!