Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A bronze applique depicting a bust of the Olympian god Bacchus (Greek Dionysos or Dionysus) - god of wine, pleasure, ritual madness, ecstasy, and theatre. The cult of Bacchus was enormously popular, signifying the freedom created by wine, music, and ecstatic dance. Romans knew the power of partying! An outstanding example with skillfully delineated facial features on his smooth face, recessed eyes, a straight nose, and full lips. He wears a leafy wreath in this long coiffure and a necklace with a round pendant. Finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. Size: 4.125" H (10.5 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Bacchanalia - also called Dionysia - were religious festivals to honor Bacchus, the god of wine, in ancient Rome. Scholars believe that they originated as the rites for fertility gods. Bacchanalia included processions, dramatic performances, and drinking feasts. The most famous of all was known as Oschophoria meaning "Carrying of the Grape Clusters". Introduced to Rome from lower Italy, Bacchanalia were initially held in secret and only attended by women for three days a year. In time, men were invited to participate, and celebrations occurred as often as five times a month. These festivals attained a reputation for orgies that led the Roman Senate to prohibit the Bacchanalia throughout Italy, with some exceptions in 186 BCE. Interestingly, a copy of the decree has survived the tests of time, in addition to an account by the Roman historian Livy. However, despite this decree, the Bacchanalia continued for years in southern Italy.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private collection of a prominent New York, USA collector
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#130841
Condition
Normal surface wear with abraded areas commensurate with age. Gorgeous green patina.