The Drunken Silenus

Jusepe de Ribera

National Gallery of Art

The image shows multiple figures set in a rustic scene. In the center, there is a mostly nude corpulent figure lying down with a draped cloth covering parts of their body. They have short curly hair with grape leaves. To the left, two satyrs are present. One is leaning over the central figure, seemingly arranging grape leaves around their head, while the other is holding a cup. The satyrs have goat-like features, horns, and human-goat bodies. Barrels, buckets, grapes, and vines are scattered around, suggesting a vineyard or winemaking setting. In the background, a donkey is visible with its mouth open, and another satyr is observing the scene. The setting portrays a mythical scene of satyrs and Bacchic revelry.