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Bacchus contemplates the sleeping Ariadne on Naxos
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Bacchus contemplates the sleeping Ariadne on Naxos
Bacchus, an amorino, and his tutor Silenus with long thyrsus, contemplate the sleeping Ariadne on the island of Naxos. Copperplate engraving by Tommaso Piroli from his Antiquities of Herculaneum (Antichita di Ercolano), Rome, 1789
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Media ID 23151732
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Antichità Antiquities Ariadne Bacchus Cherub Ercolano Fresco Herculaneum Mythology Naxos Piroli Pompeii Silenus Sleep Thyrsus Tommaso Tutor Amorino
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Bacchus Contemplates Ariadne's Sleep: A Classical Tableau of Love and Mythology This exquisite copperplate engraving by Tommaso Piroli, titled "Bacchus Contemplates the Sleeping Ariadne on Naxos," is a captivating depiction of a scene from ancient Greek mythology. The image, taken from Piroli's renowned work "Antiquities of Herculaneum" published in Rome in 1789, transports us to the idyllic island of Naxos where the god of wine, Bacchus, and his entourage are gathered around the reclining form of Ariadne. The central figure, Bacchus, is depicted as a regal and thoughtful deity, his expression reflecting a deep sense of contemplation as he gazes upon the sleeping Ariadne. An amorino, or cupid, hovers nearby, his arrow nocked and ready, while Silenus, Bacchus' tutor, stands beside him, his long thyrsus staff in hand. The group is surrounded by lush foliage, further emphasizing the bucolic setting. Ariadne, the Cretan princess famously abandoned by Theseus, sleeps peacefully on the island, her delicate features framed by a cascade of golden locks. The tranquility of the scene is palpable, as if time itself has come to a standstill. This engraving, with its intricate details and masterful use of light and shadow, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of classical mythology. The figures, inspired by the frescoes discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum, are rendered with a level of detail and precision that speaks to the artist's mastery of the medium. The result is a work of art that is as captivating today as it was over two centuries ago.
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