Idyll between Dionysus and Ariadne, Antoine Coypel (Paris 1661 – 1722) Workshop

Antoine Coypel (Paris 1661 – 1722) Workshop
Idyll between Dionysus and Ariadne

Oil painting on canvas

78x 101 cm
In frame 97 x 120 cm

Full details of the work (click HERE)

The delightful composition illustrates the myth of the love between Ariadne and the god Dionysus, a highly appreciated and recurring classical theme in Baroque and Rococo art because of its connection to hedonism and love: the episode was in fact represented as a pretext to praise the joy of life's pleasures (wine, love, sensuality) in contrast to the fleeting nature of time, often associated with the Renaissance concept of "Carpe Diem."

The work derives, although varying in some aspects, from one of the most famous compositions by Antoine Coypel (Paris 1661 – 1722) commissioned by the Duke of Orléans in 1693, brother of King Louis XIV, to decorate the study of the castle of Saint-Cloud and is now kept at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (oil on canvas, 73X85,5 cm; inv. n. 1990-54-1).

The composition immediately became very popular, and numerous copies, studies, and period prints exist. Another version, a smaller oil on copper painting, is held at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

The artist himself made an engraving of it in 1693, contributing to its dissemination. Various prints and copies are held in museums and private collections, including a print held at the Certosa e Museo Nazionale di San Martino in Naples.

Going into the details of the composition, the love idyll between the god Dionysus, called Bacchus by the Romans, and the beautiful Ariadne, daughter of the king of Crete Minos, is staged, as described in classical sources and in particular by the Latin poet Ovid (Metamorphoses, book VIII).

Ariadne was deceived and abandoned on the island of Naxos by the young Athenian hero Theseus, with whom she was in love and whom she had helped defeat the terrible Minotaur. Upon learning of her lover's betrayal, the princess began to despair relentlessly until her sad lament reached the ears of the god Bacchus, who, upon seeing her, was captivated by her beauty and fell madly in love with her and decided to take her as his wife.

Behind him, with a lit torch, is depicted Fame, who establishes his everlasting memory in the constellation that will take its name.

The canvas, which takes its inspiration from the classical source, is set in an idyllic landscape on the coast of the island, at the moment in which Bacchus arrives followed by his retinue of nymphs and satyrs, with one hand on his heart and the other grasping Ariadne's arm to propose marriage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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