Explore the Model of this artwork.
The model for Bacchus might have actually been Caravaggio's pupil, Mario Minniti, whom he had used as a model in The Musicians, Boy with a Basket of Fruit, The Fortune Teller, Lute Player, and The Calling of Saint Matthew. There was speculation that Caravaggio and Minnit's relationship was that of a sexual nature. Paintings that he modeled for could be seen as having a homoerotic quality. Especially in Bacchus, the lounging model is inviting the viewer into the scene with a glass of wine and a basket of ripe fruits while his robe slips off. Caravaggio was known for staging scenes, including the models and painting them in costume, doing away with the need to sketch the scene from his mind before applying paint to canvas. Some critics, such as Giovanni Baglione,  believed that Caravaggio used himself as the model. During 1595 he would have been twenty-four and could have played up his youthful features for this work.  Bacchus is offering of the wine with his left hand, despite the obvious effort this is causing the model. This has led to speculation that Caravaggio used a mirror to assist himself while working from life, doing away with the need for drawing. It is believed that Caravaggio was unable to paint the human figure without a model in front of him.
Boy with a Basket of Fruit Lute Player The Musicians Caravaggio Bacchus Giovanni Baglione The Fortune Teller Mario Minniti