The Fête of Bacchus
n.d.
Medium
Etching and engraving, fifth state
Dimensions
plate: 8 5/8 x 14 1/2 in. (21.9 x 36.8 cm) sheet: 11 3/8 x 16 1/4 in. (28.8 x 41.3 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1977
Accession Number
1977.588.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
Claude Gillot's *The Fête of Bacchus captures the exuberant spirit of classical mythology through a lively bacchanal scene, featuring the Roman god of wine amid reveling figures, including female nudes Created in the early 18th century the French artist known for his theatrical and decorative works, this print reflects Gillot's role as a bridge between Baroque exuberance and the emerging Rococo style. As a teacher to Antoine Watteau, Gillot the *fête galante* tradition—elegant outdoor gatherings infused with fantasy and pleasure—making this piece a precursor to later French ornamental art. Re...
About the Artist
Claude Gillot · 1673–1722
Artist known for his elegant designs done in the Rococo manner of Audran; also for his predilection for scenes from the 'comedia dell'arte.' Few paintings survive; his work is known mainly through drawings and etchings. Comment on works: Genre; History