Young Sick Bacchus
circa 1593
Caravaggio painted this cheeky, slightly feverish-looking youth as a self-portrait while recovering from a hospital stay after a violent brawl. Notice the yellowish tint to his skin and the dark circles under his eyes—he's not exactly the picture of divine health! Dressed as the Roman god of wine with a wreath of grape leaves and clutching a bunch of white grapes, he offers a playful, almost mocking smile. The peaches and dark grapes on the ledge look incredibly realistic, showcasing the artist's genius for capturing everyday textures even when he was feeling under the weather.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
- Material
- Canvas
- Dimensions
- 67 cm × 53 cm
Location: Galleria Borghese, Rome
Views: 3