Sketches after the Antique: Bacchic Revels; Neptune in His Chariot c. 1535

Pirro Ligorio made this sketch on paper of Bacchic Revels and Neptune in his Chariot in the 16th century. Here, we see Ligorio's engagement with classical antiquity. The figures, rendered in delicate lines, evoke a sense of movement and drama, characteristic of ancient Roman art. Made in Rome in 1565, this drawing offers insights into the cultural and intellectual climate of the time. The rediscovery of classical texts and artifacts during the Renaissance fueled a renewed interest in ancient mythology and art. Ligorio, as an artist and antiquarian, was part of this movement, seeking to revive the grandeur of the past. Ligorio also served as the Vatican's antiquarian, which afforded him access to collections and shaped his understanding of antiquity. Art historians can look at Ligorio's work as a point of departure for understanding the Renaissance fascination with the classical world, and its impact on artistic production.