William Kentridge illustrates Château Mouton Rothschild 2016 label

The famous vineyard from Pauillac, 1er Grand Cru Classé presents its label for 2016 vintage.

It is a well-known tradition since 1945 : every year the label of Château Mouton Rothschild is changing and carte blanche is given to an international artist. But the commission for the 2016 vintage has a little particularity: it was designed for the first time by an artist from the African Continent. And it is William Kentridge who had this honour.

The South-African painter, sculptor, video artist and stage director won multiple prizes for his “political art” that he beautifully makes with humour and poetry. His work for Château Mouton Rothschild is inspired by Bacchic characters, which masters from Titian to Matisse liked to represent.

“The Triumphs of Bacchus” represents a joyful procession, black shadows dancing in front of a bright background. This work is a call to celebrate wine, and we are delighted to answer it… with moderation!

By illustrating the 2016 vintage’s label, William Kentridge enters the golden line of artists who participated to Mouton Rothschild art collection. He succeeds to David Hockney (2014) and Gerhard Richter (2015).

Juliette Hirschy for Vertdevin