The Triumph Of Bacchus (The Drunkards)

Picture "Triumph Of Bacchus" Diego velázquez wrote is in dispute. But surprisingly not even that, but the fact that until now the artist did not have to turn to mythological painting, which was so fond of his era – the Baroque era. Paintings of mythological subjects used a giant popular: they decorated the town hall and castles, courts, and universities, living rooms and bedrooms. To recall the older contemporary of Velazquez – Rubens who gave allegorical painting an extremely generous tribute! But 30-year-old Velasquez antique entourage was left untouched.

Why does Velasquez have created a "Triumph of Bacchus"?

To 23 years Velazquez lived in Seville and wrote there mostly bodegon – realistic domestic sketches in any tavern or tavern. Sometimes it seemed as you say, all painted revelers yeah drunks, have represented God or hero. But the young velázquez was invented in response to the remarkable formula, which then guided the rest of life: "Better to be first in the rough genre than second in graceful". And in 24 years the artist was in Madrid for a long time and wrote exclusively portraits. Almost immediately he received the title of court painter of king Philip IV. Velasquez was very young, but the king is 6 years younger. Philip befriended him, gave Velasquez a workshop right in their chambers. Loved to sit there and watch an artist at work. Not allowed to portray ourselves to anyone except Velazquez. Gave him the title of one court after another. Were not allowed to leave for long, because very soon began to miss his Chamberlain and friend. And, of course, other artists this caused immense jealousy. The courts of European monarchs traditionally worked as a visiting Italians, educated in the culture of antiquity. They wove vs Velasquez intrigue. Once the anxious king came to his favourite and said from the threshold: "They say you have to draw well just face! Is it true?"

Answer Velasquez and was the painting "Triumph of Bacchus" (also known under the Spanish name Los Borrachos – "Drunkards"). With convincing clearness he showed the arrogant Italians: "just great! And body too! And composition can make no worse than your antique friezes. And Bacchus to write no less alive and seductively intoxicating than your vaunted Caravaggio!"

What is the originality of the painting of Velazquez "Triumph of Bacchus"?

But in an uncharacteristic mythological genre Velasquez Velasquez left: ancient Orgy he crossed with the Spanish bodegones, high – low. As a rule, the retinue of Bacchus consists of bacchantes and satyrs. But Velasquez decided to put the God of wine and passion among simple peasants, battered and beaten by life, simple clothes and with weather-beaten faces.
His Bacchus – major, a bit loose. By today's standards, his body can be called a little "floated", but the Satyr behind him, a muscular and dark-skinned. Opposing them, Velazquez shows that he is a great master of his craft (and another body): it can transmit and challenging angles, and a variety of poses, and distinguished the "aggregate state" of human flesh.

Velazquez Bacchus sitting on a barrel of wine is his throne. His nudity is covered by the folds of fabric "Royal" colors – white and purple. On his head a crown of grape leaves, and the Bacchus will crown one of his particularly ardent admirers, noted in the field of drinking and debauchery, in the same vine wreath. The peasants came to the deity with a request to alleviate their hard life. Bacchus and gave them wine is the most affordable way to forget about troubles and sorrows.

A large flat bowl in the hands of the Central character (in the hat) written attracting-realistic. It seems that looking at the glossy surface of the wine, you can feel its freshness and tart aroma. Look happy drunkards heading directly toward us. He smiles so widely and intimately that it literally "pulls" the viewer into the picture, demanding a share in his fun and drink.

Author: Anna Yesterday