Bacchus appears frozen in mid-air, blasted from his seat – but is this the result of love or is there a more down-to-earth explanation? (Credit: National Gallery)
The Venetian master’s Bacchus and Ariadne is an iconic portrayal of falling in love. But it could also contain one of the greatest depictions of breaking wind
In the centre, a caper flower, which is a natural remedy for flatulence, is coupled with a satyr, a figure also associated with the condition (Credit: National Gallery)
The painting’s windy goings-on seem to continue to the leading lady Ariadne, whose clothes appear disturbed by a waft (Credit: National Gallery)
The #painting’s #windy goings-on seem to continue to the leading #lady #Ariadne, whose #clothes appear disturbed by a #waft of #air?
Bacchus and Ariadne depicts the moment when the god Bacchus first comes upon the princess Ariadne on the island of Naxos (Credit: National Gallery)
