L'Orgia

myminifactory

The theme of portraying women in erotic states of intoxication was widespread in European sculpture, particularly during Torquato della Torre's time of creating this work from 1851 to 54. As a male artist, it was considered refined to depict women weakened by alcohol or faith. In Jean-Baptiste Clesinger's similar piece from 1848, a Bacchante writhes in ecstasy while worshiping the wine god Bacchus. Similarly, Gianlorenzo Bernini depicted women succumbing to angels and deities in sensual ways (see The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa), where his male figures stood strong and sober.