The Infant Bacchus Astride a Wine Barrel

Gaetano Gandolfi

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a cherubic figure seated on a wine barrel. The figure is depicted as a nude cherub or putto, sitting on a large wine barrel. It has a band of ivy or grapevines draped over its body, holding a horn in one hand and a staff entwined with vines in the other. The barrel has a spigot at the base, from which liquid is flowing. The background has vertical lines, potentially suggesting a wooden texture or paneling. The imagery conveys a sense of celebration, reminiscent of Bacchanalian themes associated with wine and revelry. The scene is detailed and finely etched in a monochrome palette, typical of traditional engravings.