Bacchus at left giving grapes to women, from "The Loves of the Gods" 1531 - 1560

Editor: This engraving by Giulio Bonasone, titled "Bacchus at left giving grapes to women, from "The Loves of the Gods"," was made sometime between 1531 and 1560. The detail is really striking. It's also interesting how everyone is nude! What strikes you about it? Curator: Seeing this, I’m immediately thinking about the socio-political context of its creation. Mannerism, after the High Renaissance, often played with exaggerated forms and theatrical compositions. Do you notice the almost artificial poses, and the density of the figures packed into this small space? Editor: I do. They look a little uncomfortable, maybe? Curator: Perhaps. That’s partially the point. Early modern European society was intensely interested in classical mythology, yet simultaneously grappling with its implications alongside strict religious doctrines. This print walks that line. We have the overtly sensual scene of Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry, engaging with women, almost certainly nymphs. However, the style, typical for engravings at the time, tends to flatten volumes into a single plane; what do you make of this? Editor: So, the "loves of the gods" is also supposed to make you a little uneasy, to make you think? Curator: Precisely. It serves a dual purpose: pleasure and intellectual stimulation, but the visual style announces this is artificial, performative even. Bonasone would be reminding his viewers that artifice is present even in seemingly honest portrayals. Editor: That's a great point! The style highlights the underlying tension of the subject matter during that period. I’ve got a lot to consider. Curator: Indeed. Looking closer reveals so much more than initially meets the eye. Thank you.