Bacchanal
1770
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1770
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This scene shows a wild mix of people in a rocky forest. Some are lounging on the ground, others are dancing or playing instruments. A few figures stand near a tall statue, while others climb rocks or recline among leaves. The lines are dark and scratchy, giving it a rough, almost sketchy feel. The artist used a technique that lets them carve directly into the metal plate, creating those sharp, textured lines. This was a way to make many copies of the same image. Look up etching to see how it works.
