Narcisse Virgilio Díaz De La Peña, “Bacchus,” 19th-Century French Oil on Canvas

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A richly atmospheric 19th-century oil on canvas by celebrated French painter Narcisse Virgilio Díaz de la Peña (1807–1876). Executed in … Read more A richly atmospheric 19th-century oil on canvas by celebrated French painter Narcisse Virgilio Díaz de la Peña (1807–1876). Executed in the romantic, painterly manner for which Díaz is known, the composition emerges dramatically from a deep palette of forest green, umber, black, and blue, illuminated by warm passages of ochre, coral, and flesh tones. The woodland nymphs materialize from the darkness, giving the painting a mysterious, dreamlike quality particularly well suited to its Bacchanalian subject.

Díaz was an important member of the Barbizon School, celebrated for his richly colored woodland scenes, mythological subjects, and sensuous handling of paint. His works are represented in major museum collections internationally.

This recently cleaned and restored painting is presented in its original ornamented frame with a beautifully timeworn character. The age and losses to the frame lend to the Old World patina of the whole piece. A brass plaque along the lower edge identifies the artist as “Narcisse Diaz 1807–1876.” The verso bears a National Gallery export stamp of Hungary, as well as an inscription in white pigment.

A dramatic work, this exquisite piece would be striking in a traditional, European-inspired, eclectic, or contemporary interior—particularly displayed against plaster, stone, dark wood, or a richly colored wall. See less