The artwork is titled “Young Sick Bacchus” and was created by the renowned artist Caravaggio around the year 1593. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Baroque art movement and demonstrates tenebrism, a dramatic use of light and shadow. The dimensions of this mythological painting are 67 x 53 centimeters. Currently, it is housed in the Borghese Gallery located in Rome, Italy.
“Youth Sick Bacchus” portrays a youthful figure, presumably Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, who appears to be experiencing illness. The figure is characterized by a pale complexion and weary, expressive eyes. His head is adorned with a crown of vine leaves, a traditional attribute of Bacchus, and he holds a bunch of grapes in his hand, further symbolizing his divine association with viticulture. The use of tenebrism is evident in the stark contrast between the deeply shadowed background and the illuminated form of Bacchus, emphasizing his three-dimensional presence. The youth is draped in a white cloth that reveals his upper body, with a brown ribbon adding a touch of color. The foreground features a still life consisting of apricots and grapes, which complements Bacchus’s persona. The overall composition and masterful use of light and shadow convey a poignant, almost melancholic atmosphere, characteristic of Caravaggio’s distinctive style.