Bacchus

Caravaggio painted Bacchus around 1598, depicting the classical god of wine as a plump young man offering a glass of wine to the viewer. The model was likely one of Caravaggio's Roman companions, and the painting exemplifies his practice of using real models for mythological subjects. The still life elements, including the basket of overripe fruit and the glass of wine, are rendered with astonishing naturalistic detail and may carry vanitas symbolism about the transience of pleasure.

The painting demonstrates Caravaggio's mature command of still life, with the basket of fruit and wine glass rendered with trompe-l'oeil precision. The warm, even lighting and the figure's direct gaze create an intimate relationship with the viewer.