Silenus ondersteund door een jonge bacchant 1520 - 1525

Marcantonio Raimondi created this print, "Silenus supported by a young Bacchus" in the early 16th century, a period of immense cultural and intellectual change in Europe. Here, we see the older, drunken Silenus being supported by a young bacchant, both figures from classical mythology associated with revelry and wine. The choice of this subject matter reflects the Renaissance interest in classical antiquity. Yet, the composition and the delicate engraving technique also speak to the artistic innovations of the time. Who holds whom up, and why, is a perennial question, and here, the image resonates beyond its historical context. We might consider the politics of care, the intimacy between the figures. There's something deeply human about the scene, an almost tender depiction of reliance and support, reminding us that even mythical beings are subject to vulnerability and the need for companionship. In its combination of classical themes and humanist sensibilities, this work encourages us to reflect on the enduring complexities of human experience.