Bacchanal by a Herm

Italian 17th Century (Giovanni Santagostino?), after Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a pastoral scene with mythological elements. The image depicts a gathering in a natural setting with mythological figures such as satyrs and nymphs. A reclining semi-nude figure is in the center surrounded by lush vegetation and classical style urns or vases. The scene is framed by two leaning trees with detailed branches. The drawing uses strong lines and hatching to create texture and shadow, vividly rendering each element. The scene exudes raw, natural energy mixed with a sense of antiquity and revelry associated with classical myths.