Sandro del Prete

The Festival of Bacchus

This illustration contains a remarkable transformation that moves from the bottom of the image to the top. At the bottom you can see two small figures: on the left there is a man holding a wineglass, while on the right, a woman is carrying a tray of wineglasses. There is a festive atmosphere as Bacchus, the god of wine, makes his appearance. In his hands he is holding the two elated figures. He slowly brings them together to toast each other's health until the transformation of the festival is complete. If you examine the inebirated face of Bacchus, you will see that it contains the two celebrants.