The Intoxication of Wine 1775 - 1795

Clodion, or Claude Michel, created "The Intoxication of Wine" in the late 18th or early 19th century. This sculpture, crafted from terracotta, embodies the Rococo style's sensuality. Clodion made a career out of small-scale sculptures for private collectors during a time of social inequalities. In this context, the sculpture depicts a bacchanal scene, referencing classical mythology and themes of revelry and ecstasy. We see a satyr, a mythological creature associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, embracing a bacchante. The bacchante tips a cup of wine, symbolizing unrestrained pleasure. The sculpture's emphasis on sensuality and abandon resonated with the aristocracy, yet it also reflects the social tensions of the time. While celebrating pleasure, it also hints at the moral ambiguities and excesses of the era. Clodion’s sculpture captures a moment of joyous release, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where boundaries blur.