Great 17th Century Mythological Painting, Bacchanal, 1650, Oil on Canvas

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A great 17th-century Italian painting. Oil on canvas artwork depicting a marvelous mythological subject, a lively Venetian Bacchanal. The painting … Read more A great 17th-century Italian painting. Oil on canvas artwork depicting a marvelous mythological subject, a lively Venetian Bacchanal. The painting is in fact attributable to the circle of Giulio Carpioni (1613-1678), a pupil of Padovanino who worked primarily between Venice and Bergamo and particularly studied Titian's Bacchanals.

This artwork, of remarkable pictorial quality, is distinguished by its theatricality and rich color palette and displays the stylistic hallmarks of Carpioni, known above all for his depictions of classical mythology.

At the center of the composition is Silenus, Bacchus' companion, appearing as a bald old man with animalistic attributes and in a characteristically intoxicated pose. To his left are two splendid cherubs, one with a tambourine, the other asleep below. On the right, a young bacchante also plays a tambourine; maenads were known for their wild dances during Dionysian festivals.

In the background, other satyrs, both large and small, complete the composition, accentuating the playful and chaotic tone of the scene. Ideal for a large reception room, whether classic or modern, because the evocative power of the myth can easily interact with contemporary furnishings. The 20th-century gilded wood frame is beautifully decorated, with some signs of aging. The painting has already been restored with relining, replacement of the stretcher, and recoloring in small areas. Overall, it is in good condition. Internal dimensions: H 115 x W 143 cm. See less