TERRACOTTA "BACCHUS AND BACCHAE CELEBRATING THE HARVEST", 19TH CENTURY

Terra cotta group with patina representing Bacchus as a child in the company of three Bacchae, celebrating the harvest. The Bacchae, 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 in the back (illegible). French school of the 19th century.

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

Circa: 1850

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