The artwork “Bacchanal of Putti” was created by Nicolas Poussin in 1626. An oil on canvas measuring 74 by 84 centimeters, it is a prime example of the Classical art movement. This mythological painting is housed at the National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, or GNAA) in Rome, Italy.
The artwork depicts a lively and whimsical scene known as a bacchanal, a festivity inspired by the Roman god Bacchus, who represents wine, revelry, and ecstasy. In “Bacchanal of Putti,” Poussin has gathered a multitude of cherubic figures, known as putti, commonly associated with the playful and mischievous aspects of love. These putti are engaged in various joyful activities, embodying the spirit of a Bacchic celebration.
In the painting, the putti are seen frolicking and lounging in a lush outdoor landscape. Some are riding a goat, which is a symbol often associated with Bacchanalian festivities, while others are playing musical instruments, dancing, or engaging in the merriments of the feast. Their poses vary from dynamic to relaxed, capturing the essence of a carefree and bounteous gathering.
The artwork is graced with warm, earthly tones which help to imbue the scene with a sense of richness and vitality. The manner in which the figures interact and the naturalistic rendering of their movements align closely with the Classical style, emphasizing harmony, order, and proportion characteristic of Poussin’s work. “Bacchanal of Putti” hence serves as a celebration not only of the mythological subject it represents but also of classical ideals of beauty and composition.
