Bacchus and Ariadne

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This work depicts one of the most popular mythological themes for paintings from the late Renaissance onward: the love story between Bacchus, the god of wine, and Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. Bacchus discovered Ariadne on the island of Naxos, where she had been abandoned by the Greek hero Theseus, and fell in love with her. Bacchus, wrapped in his traditional leopard skin, here rushes towards Ariadne, who lies sleeping on a bed of sumptuous fabric. A cheetah bounds beside him, and his followers dance and play music. Two putti descend from above, one carrying a flaming torch as a symbol of Bacchus and Ariadne’s love. This work has an unusual vertical format and almost half of the picture is taken up with trees and landscape, partially covered by the drapery on the left.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Bacchus and Ariadne

Date

probably 1700-10

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 75.9 x W 63.2 cm

Accession number

NG851

Acquisition method

Bought, 1871

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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