Bachanal of Eight Putti with a goat

This is one of the best-known compositions by Du Quesnoy, a Flemish sculptor who worked in Rome. The playfulness of the theme and the subtlety with which the softness of the putti’s chubby flesh was carved in the marble contributed greatly to its fame. Du Quesnoy’s style influenced many artists, including his fellow countryman, Artus Quellinus, who studied with him in Rome.

c. 1626 - c. 1630

Marble (rock)

24.1 x 41.7 x 2.3 cm

BK-2014-28

Image and text courtesy of Rijksmuseum, 2019