Andrea Mantegna's Bacchanal With A Wine Vat

Humanism was a major cultural movement during the Quattrocento, and sought to revive classical antiquity which had declined during the middle ages. Consequently, various artists emulated “the exemplary works of the ancients” and even strived to surpass them. Andrea Mantegna is said to have been “fascinated with classical antiquity,” holding the opinion that “the good ancient statues were more perfect and had greater beauty in their various parts than is shown by nature.” Moreover, many of his works embody “the humanist ideal of reverence for intellect and rationality over sensuality.” Bacchanal with a Wine Vat was produced shortly after his visit to Rome in 1488, where he studied relief sculptures. The “frieze-like composition” and sculptural