Emma Hamilton (also known as Lady Hamilton) was a model, dancer, and actress of the late 18th century, known for her beauty and dramatic flair. She developed "Attitudes", also known as mimoplastic art; a unique performance style where she struck poses inspired by classical mythology, like a mix of theater and dance inspired by sculpture.

In Lady Hamilton as a Bacchante (1790), the painter Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun captures this theatrical side of Emma by showing her as a Bacchante—a wild follower of Bacchus, the god of wine and celebration. As a Bacchante, Emma holds a tambourine and looks lively and free, symbolizing her bold spirit and charm. This portrayal highlights her unique talent for dramatic expression and reflects the era’s love for myth and passionate characters.