Northern Caravaggesque artist active in Rome in the 17th centuryWorkshop of Gerard van Honthorst (Utrecht, 1592 – Utrecht, 1656) Dionysus/Bacchus (as an allegory of taste) oil on canvas 65 x 52 cm. - In antique frame 82 x 68 cm. The analysis of the composition and style of this interesting portrait, which depicts Dionysus (commonly known as Bacchus) sipping a glass of wine, allows us to associate its execution with the workshop of the Flemish Gerard van Honthorst (Utrecht, 1592 – Utrecht, 1656). A highly talented Dutch painter, he was a prominent member - together with Dirck van Baburen and Hendrick ter Brugghen - of the 'Utrecht Caravaggisti', a group of artists who moved from the Dutch city to Rome in the early 17th century, where they were fascinated by Caravaggio's painting. Deeply marked by the innovation of the great master, upon their return home, they introduced the same realism in the choice of subjects and the intense chiaroscuro in their works. The close-up composition, almost life-size, gives the work realism and immediacy, further enlivened by dramatic light effects that highlight the ruddy complexion of our drinker. We find this type of subject in numerous of his compositions, thanks to which the artist acquired great collecting fortune, in which the almost caricatured definition of the characters goes hand in hand with an iconography of great character. Dionysus, god of wine and drunkenness, shows large dark eyes turned to the viewer, lips, nose and cheeks slightly reddened, with curly hair long to the shoulders: the relaxed attitude of the figure and its grinning expression clearly indicate that he is under the effect of the drink. The theme of the pleasure of food, and in particular of cheerful drinkers, already loved by Italian art in the Caravaggesque context, therefore enjoyed great popularity also among Flemish authors, who imported these subjects into Northern Europe. In the painter's catalog we can identify many, but among those most similar to the painting we propose there is 'the young Bacchus squeezing grapes into a bowl' of the National Trust (National Trust, Hatchlands, England) or the 'Young man with flask of wine and cheese' (Christie's 5 Dec 2020) and 'Merry violinist' (Hermitage St. Petersburg). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a pleasing golden wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/