Sculpture of Bacchus and Satyr on Donkey by Kai Nielsen for Bing & Grøndahl, 1912

Exceptional sculpture by Kai Nielsen with a clear allegory full of symbolism and social criticism, characteristic of Kai Nielsen's style, which he developed in a sublime way with his "Wine Lovers" series, created for Bing & Grøndahl in 1912 in Copenhagen. The work, modeled in stoneware, represents a mythological scene where a Bacchus loaded with grapes falls asleep on a Donkey, while a Satyr climbs up the animal's neck. Each of these elements represents different aspects of human nature and society.

Bacchus, as the god of wine and festivity, often symbolizes liberation and pleasure, but can also be a critique of excess and decadence, appearing here in his less glorious facet, dominated by the effects of alcohol and indulgence.

Satyr climbing and grabbing the ear often represents lust and the connection with primitive instincts and opportunism, here he takes advantage of the situation for his own benefit, without caring about the suffering of the donkey or the unconsciousness of Bacchus symbolizing control and manipulation.

The Donkey, an animal that is often associated with burden and humility, symbolizes servitude or exploitation in society.

with a realism that borders on the provocative, Nielsen fuses symbolic elements of Art Nouveau and Classicism with the solidity and expressiveness of the emerging Art Deco, creating a work of great symbolic depth that shows us a declaration of audacity and artistic mastery. Without a doubt, an exceptional piece for lovers of sculpture and Scandinavian art.