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Bacchic initiation rites
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Bacchic initiation rites
Bacchic rite. Women offering figs on platters to Bacchus, and seated woman in an initiation rite accompanied by a genius of Ceres (boy with wings). Copperplate engraving by Tommaso Piroli from his Antiquities of Herculaneum (Antichita di Ercolano), Rome, 1789
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Media ID 23151746
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Antichità Antiquities Bacchic Bacchus Ceres Ercolano Figs Fresco Genius Herculaneum Initiation Offer Piroli Platters Rite Thyrsus Tommaso Torch Wings Wreath
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Bacchic Initiation Rites: A Timeless Depiction of Ancient Reverence and Mystery This copperplate engraving, created by Tommaso Piroli in 1789, offers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Bacchic initiation rites as depicted in the Antiquities of Herculaneum. The image is a rich tapestry of classical motifs, mythological figures, and intricate symbolism that continues to intrigue scholars and art enthusiasts alike. At the center of the composition, a group of women, adorned in flowing robes and headdresses, offer figs on ornate platters to the god Bacchus. The god of wine, fertility, and revelry is depicted as a bearded figure with ivy leaves in his hair and a torches in hand, surrounded by symbols of his cult, such as thyrsus wands and ivy vines. The women's gestures of devotion and their offerings of figs, a fruit sacred to Bacchus, symbolize their submission to his divine power and their desire for his blessings. In the foreground, a seated woman undergoes her initiation, accompanied by a winged genius of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. The genius, represented as a young boy, holds a torch and a wreath, symbolizing the illumination and protection bestowed upon the initiate. The scene is imbued with an air of mystery and reverence, as the initiate's transformation into a member of the Bacchic cult is marked by this sacred ritual. Tommaso Piroli's masterful engraving captures the essence of the Bacchic rites, transporting us back to ancient Rome and offering a glimpse into the rich symbolism and mythology that continue to captivate our imaginations. This timeless work of art is a testament to the enduring allure of classical antiquity and the power of art to evoke wonder and inspire awe.
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