Untitled (Bacchus)

Cy Twombly's Untitled (Bacchus) from 2005 shows red loops cascading down a white canvas like wine or blood. The painting references Bacchus (Dionysus), god of wine, ecstasy, and creative frenzy.

Twombly was nearly 80 when he painted this series, but the energy suggests explosive vitality. The looping marks were made by swinging his arm from the shoulder, almost dancing. The result captures Dionysian abandon through pure gesture. It hangs at Tate Modern.