Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne, Filippo Lauri (Rome, 1623 – 1694) workshop of

Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne

Workshop of Filippo Lauri (Rome, 1623 – 1694)

Oil on canvas (49 x 65 cm. – In frame 65 x 82 cm.)

Very good condition

Full details of the work (click HERE)

The beautiful painting proposed, depicting a love scene between Bacchus and Ariadne, is attributed to an author active in Rome in the mid-seventeenth century, trained on the stylistic and compositional examples of the Roman Filippo Lauri (Rome, 1623 – 1694).

This type of representation with a mythological character enjoyed great success especially in Rome in the first part of the 17th century: initially with Poussin, as the main exponent in the direct wake of Titian, then continuing with authoritative masters such as Lorrain, Spierinck and Lauri himself, artists who contributed to developing this theme in a fascinating convergence of artistic ideas.

Lauri, in particular, to whose renowned workshop we can easily associate the painting in question, was the author of exquisite compositions with mythological and Arcadian subjects, created with grace and rapid pictorialism, so much so that he obtained extraordinary success with the demanding aristocracy of the capital.

In particular, in the proposed painting, we see a depiction of the amorous union between the god Dionysus, called Bacchus by the Romans, and the beautiful Ariadne, daughter of the king of Crete Minos, an episode taken from classical sources and in particular from the Latin poet Ovid (Metamorphoses, book VIII), where the two lovers are immortalised during a celebration in honour of their wedding.

Ariadne, in love with Theseus, is deceived and abandoned by the young Athenian who, in exchange for her help in defeating the terrible Minotaur, had promised to marry her. The Athenian hero, on his return to Athens, took her with him, but when they arrived in Naxos, he took advantage of a moment in which the young woman had fallen asleep on the beach, to abandon her.

After learning of her lover's betrayal, alone on the island, Ariadne began to despair without respite until her sweet and sad lament reached the ears of the god Bacchus, son of Jupiter who, when he saw her, fascinated by her beauty, fell madly in love with her and decided to take her as his wife. As a pledge of love, he transformed the woman's crown into a constellation.

The canvas, which takes up the classical source, sets the scene in an idyllic landscape on the coast of the island, at the moment in which the procession of the triumphant god bursts in, accompanied by nymphs, sileni and dancing satyrs with Bacchus in the centre surrounded by his procession, while he takes Ariadne's arm to make her his proposal of marriage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, with a 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, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, to receive any further information.

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