Bacchus and Ariadne
1530
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
Bacchus and Ariadne is a 1530 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.
This black-and-white photo shows a person lying down, wrapped in a blanket or cloth. Their head is resting on a pillow, and their arms are bent at the elbows, one hand near their face. The lighting is uneven, with some areas bright and others very dark. The rough texture and stark contrast suggest this might be a study in light and shadow. The photo looks like it was taken quickly, with a focus on the person’s relaxed pose. Check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark for drama.
