The artwork “Bacchic Scene with Minotaur” by Pablo Picasso, created in 1933, is an etching on paper that is part of the Neoclassical movement. This genre painting measures 29.9 by 36.6 centimeters and belongs to the Vollard Suite. It is currently housed at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork depicts a bacchanalian scene, which is characteristic of the artist’s exploration of classical and mythological themes during his Neoclassical period. It features a minotaur, a creature from Greek mythology that is part man and part bull, engaged in what appears to be a raucous celebration typical of the god Bacchus, known for wine, festivities, and excess. The minotaur is accompanied by a bearded, satyr-like figure and a reclining nude female. The etching’s lines and contrasts are bold and dynamic, creating a sense of movement and liveliness that captures the intoxicating spirit of the bacchanal. This scene is depicted with a strong sense of emotion and sensuality, typical for the works of Picasso from this era.
