Bacchante c. 1780s

Jean-Baptiste Greuze made this oil painting called "Bacchante," but its exact date remains unknown. Greuze used traditional materials of his time, mixing pigments with oil to create a range of effects on the canvas. Up close, you can see his loose brushwork, especially in the rendering of her hair and the fabric draped around her shoulders. This painterly approach gives the artwork a sense of immediacy, capturing the model's expression. Greuze was interested in the traditions of fine art, but his work also intersects with the wider social context of 18th-century France. While the subject matter is rooted in classical mythology, the sensuality and emotion conveyed in the painting reflect the tastes and values of the Rococo period. By exploring the materials, making processes, and historical context of "Bacchante," we gain a deeper understanding of its artistic merit and cultural significance.