Study for a Bacchanal

Anthony Dyck

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Sir Anthony van Dyck. This sketch contains several figures and there is a sense of movement. In the foreground on the left are two bare-chested bearded men. One is leaning across the centre of the drawing with his hand on the forearm of a woman, who is clutching her dress in one hand and possibly some grapes in the other. Another figure beside her holds an arm round her, pointing. There are a number of sketchily drawn figures in the background. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 14 SIR ANTHONY VAN DYCK (b. 1599; d. 1641) STUDY FOR A BACCHANAL British Museum 1913-1-11-1. Presented by Viscount Iveagh. From the Lawrence and Heseltine Collections. Pen and sepia, and washes of sepia and blue water-colour. 16.3 x 22.1 cm. (6 3/8 x 8 11/16 in.). Inscribed Ant Vandyck in an old hand, possibly that of the master. A brilliant study, belonging to Van Dyck's early period, when still under the direct influence of Rubens. On the reverse are slight sketches for reclining figures, overcome by wine, possibly studies for other parts of the same composition. A. M. H."