The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1771: A Pleasure Palace Dedicated to Bacchus
1771
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1771
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a giant, fake palace built for a party. It’s made of stone arches, columns, and statues of people holding things like wreaths. At the center sits a long table covered with a white cloth, surrounded by tiny figures. Around the base, workers carry tools and animals, while others climb the structure. The text at the bottom says this was built for a celebration in 1771, dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine. The whole thing looks temporary—like a stage set for a big event. Want to see more? Check out how artists used etching to create detailed prints like this one.
