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Notes
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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.
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
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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Diana and Endymion English Heritage, Kenwood -
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