Bacchanale
1560
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1560
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Bacchanale is a 1560 ink by Giulio Sanuto, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print is packed with wild, muscular figures. Some are dancing, some are playing instruments, and others look like they’re lost in the moment. The scene is messy—arms fly, bodies twist, and vines and leaves fill the background like a jungle. Notice how the artist used tiny lines to build up shadows and texture. It’s not paint—it’s carved into the metal plate. Want to see how this works? Look up engraving.
