The sculpture depicts six cherubic children surrounding a reclining, bearded, adult male figure with visible goat legs and small horns, alongside a nearby goat. The children interact with the central figure and the goat in various postures, creating a lively scene. The piece is carved from a pale, creamy material with a smooth, finely detailed texture. The overall sculpture presents an intricate arrangement of figures, capturing a harmonious and playful moment.

Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Bacchanalian Frieze

Gerard van Opstal (Flemish, c. 1605 - 1668)

mid 17th century

Medium: ivory
Classification: Sculpture
Dimensions: overall: 11.5 × 30 × 2.5 cm (4 1/2 × 11 13/16 × 1 in.)
Culture: Flemish
Museum: National Gallery of Art, CSD
Credit line: Gift of Robert H. Smith/Robert H. Smith Collection
Rights: Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Adult profiles and older: its museum's description or title mentions nudity. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

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