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Artworks
Roman
Torso of Bacchus, c. 1st-2nd century ADMarbleHeight: 81 cm (31⅞ in.)66269Further images
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Dionysus to the Greeks, Bacchus to the Romans, the god of wine and earthly revelry is powerfully represented in this superb marble torso, which captures the idealized beauty of the...Dionysus to the Greeks, Bacchus to the Romans, the god of wine and earthly revelry is powerfully represented in this superb marble torso, which captures the idealized beauty of the divine male form. The wine god represents the wild abandon of merriment and ecstasy brought on by inebriation. He stands here completely at ease, the idealized epitome of relaxation. The composition of this striking depiction is loosely based on a Greek fourth-century BC sculpture of Apollo, known as the Apollo Lyceus, by master sculptor Praxiteles. Often reimagined as Dionysus in the Roman period, the god’s right arm was originally raised and resting on his head. He would have been leaning on a support to his left and may have clutched a bunch of grapes in his left hand. This Roman period interpretation follows in the footsteps of the Greek original in its sensuous carving, exuding the relaxed and jovial aura appropriate for the immortal who inspired wild and uninhibited celebration. It is a rare and masterful portrayal of a Greek archetype remarkably interpreted by a Roman master sculptor.
Provenance
Private Collection, Europe (acquired in 1979; sale: Christie's New York, December 9, 2008, lot 160)
Private Collection, North America (acquired in 2014 and until 2016)
Private Collection
Exhibitions
Literature
Ariadne Galleries 2012, New York, 2012, no. 14
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