The Triumph of Bacchus

The Triumph of Bacchus (Greek: Ο Θρίαμβος του Βάκχου) is a painting by Diego Velázquez, now in the Museo del Prado, in Madrid.

[2] In the work, Bacchus is represented as a person at the center of a small celebration, but his skin is paler than that of his companions, rendering him more easily recognizable.

On the left, there is the very luminous Bacchus figure, his dominant but relaxed pose somewhat reminiscent of that of Christ in many Last Judgement scenes, who is often shown seated and naked to the waist.

[3] The right side, however, presents some drunkards, men of the streets that invite us to join their party, with a very Spanish atmosphere similar to José de Ribera in style.

There is no idealization present in their large and worn-out faces, though the figure kneeling in front of the god is younger and better dressed than the others, with a sword and tall boots.

[6] Mark Wallinger argued that The Triumph of Bacchus prefigured Las Meninas and stated, "Velázquez presents us with a complexity of focal points.

Niccolò Frangipane (d. 1597, attributed to) Bacchanal . Here too Bacchus has brought a single companion from the world of mythology.
The Triumph of Bacchus , a Roman mosaic from Africa Proconsolaris , dated 3rd century AD, now in the Sousse Archaeological Museum , Tunisia