Staande Bacchus 1679

Abraham de Moor created this red chalk drawing of Standing Bacchus in 1675. Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, was the Roman god of wine, fertility, theatre, and religious ecstasy. This drawing reflects a revival of interest in classical antiquity during the Dutch Golden Age. The Dutch Republic, a new nation, looked to the Roman Republic for models of republican governance. In this drawing, Bacchus holds grapes in his left hand and wears a crown of vines. De Moor has given him an ample belly, a sign of prosperity. In the background we can see some zodiacal signs. In a culture dominated by the Calvinist church, which prohibited alcohol consumption, Bacchus represented a challenge to social norms. Art historians can consult period sources such as religious sermons, tavern records, and even medical texts, to learn more about the place of alcohol in the social life of the Dutch Republic. In this way, we can better understand the role of art in shaping social values.