Drunken Silenus supported by Satyrs

In his depiction of Silenus accompanied by satyrs and peasants, Rubens perhaps drew some inspiration from Metamorphoses by the Roman author Ovid. Excessive consumption of wine was already viewed critically in classical literature. In connection with political leaders, excessive eating and drinking was seen as the expression of poor control. This interpretation was certainly known to Rubens, as he received a comprehensive education in the classics.