Bacchus
The artist
Michelangelo Buonarroti, working as a young rising artist in Renaissance Italy.
What you see
A lifelike statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of grapes and wine, standing with a cup raised while a little woodland friend nibbles grapes beside him.
The story
Michelangelo carved it in 1497 as one of his earliest big works, showing off his skill while he was still only in his early twenties.
The style
It is cut from marble and made to look completely natural, with a slightly wobbly, relaxed pose that feels playful and free.
Look closer
Look for the little goat-legged helper called a satyr behind Bacchus, happily eating a bunch of grapes.
Where to see it
It is displayed at the Bargello museum in Florence, Italy.
Fun fact
Bacchus wears a crown of grapes and vine leaves, a fitting hat for the god of the grape harvest.