Bacchanaal 1845 - 1875

Gustave Doré created this print, Bacchanaal, in the 19th century, capturing a scene of revelry. Doré lived during a time of significant social and political upheaval in France, with shifting class structures and cultural norms. The print depicts figures engaged in unrestrained celebration, evoking themes of ecstasy and abandonment. But look closer. Who is allowed to abandon themselves? There seems to be a gendered aspect to this so-called abandonment. The poses of the women contrasted with the men, who seem to hold positions of power. The print raises questions about who has the freedom to indulge in pleasure and who is subjected to societal constraints. Doré challenges viewers to confront the complexities of human desire and the tension between individual expression and social expectations. This image embodies a critical commentary on the prevailing social dynamics and cultural values of his time, and asks us to consider how these dynamics continue to resonate today.