TERRACOTTA "BACCHUS ET BACCHANTES FETANT LES VENDANGES", 19TH CENTURY

Patinated terracotta group depicting Bacchus as a child in the company of three Bacchantes, celebrating the grape harvest. The Bacchantes, draped in antique style, are crowned with vine branches. Bunches of grapes are scattered around them on the terrace. The whole rests on an oblong oak base. Signed on the back (illegible). French school of the 19th century.

Harvest festivals are closely linked to the cult of Bacchus (Dyonisos), the god of wine, drunkenness, excess and nature in Greco-Roman mythology. These popular annual events celebrated the start of the grape harvest. The Bacchae, also known as Maenads, took part in the festivities held in the god's honor. Numerous works of art depict Bacchus in the midst of his companions, drinking from cups or dancing wildly, often drunkenly.

Circa: 1850

Dim: W:50cm, D:22cm, H:42cm.