1635
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Drunken Silenus is a 1635 ink by Schelte Adams Bolswert, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a scene with three figures. In the center is a large, bearded man with a potbelly, wearing a loincloth. He is being supported by two smaller men, one on either side of him. The man on the left has horns and a beard, while the man on the right is shirtless. The background features a cloudy sky with birds flying overhead, and the foreground has rocks and plants. The central figure appears to be drunk, as suggested by the title. The two supporting figures seem to be helping him stay upright. The overall mood of the painting is one of revelry and abandon. If you're interested in learning more about the Baroque movement, you might want to explore the works of other artists from this period.
Schelte a Bolswert or Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert (c. 1586 – 1659) was a Frisian engraver who worked most of his career in Antwerp where he was one of the lead engravers in Rubens' workshop. He is known for his…
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