80 Titian, Bacchus & Ariadne

Bacchus and Ariadne is part of a mythological cycle painted by Titian and Giovanni Bellini and commissioned by Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. The cycle also includes The Feast of the Gods and the Andrians. It was originally hung in the studiolo or Camerini d’Alabastro of the Duke’s Ferranese castle.

Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker provide a description, historical perspective, and analysis of Titian’s Bacchus and Ariadne.

Titian, Bacchus and Ariadne, 1523–24, oil on canvas now atop board, 69-1/2 × 75 inches, (National Gallery, London).