Europe, original copperplate engraving - a double plate - entitled "Pompe Bacchique", ca. 18th century CE. An original copperplate engraving depicting Dionysiacal or Bacchanalian rites featuring fauns, maenads, winged Cupids, and centaurs, some playing horns and lyres, others dancing and/or carrying bunches of grapes - all to honor the Olympian god Bacchus (Greek Dionysos or Dionysus) - god of wine, pleasure, ritual madness, ecstasy, and theatre. The cult of Bacchus was enormously popular, signifying the freedom created by wine, music, and ecstatic dance. Romans knew the power of partying! Size: plate measures 16.5" W x 12.75" H (41.9 cm x 32.4 cm); sheet measures 20.125" W x 17.125" H (51.1 cm x 43.5 cm)

Bacchanalia - also called Dionysia - were religious festivals to honor Bacchus, the god of wine, in ancient Rome. Scholars believe that they originated as the rites for fertility gods. Bacchanalia included processions, dramatic performances, and drinking feasts. The most famous of all was known as Oschophoria meaning "Carrying of the Grape Clusters". Introduced to Rome from lower Italy, Bacchanalia were initially held in secret and only attended by women for three days a year. In time, men were invited to participate, and celebrations occurred as often as five times a month. These festivals attained a reputation for orgies that led the Roman Senate to prohibit the Bacchanalia throughout Italy, with some exceptions in 186 BCE. Interestingly, a copy of the decree has survived the tests of time, in addition to an account by the Roman historian Livy. However, despite this decree, the Bacchanalia continued for years in southern Italy.

Provenance: private Lucille Lucas collection, Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

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#136436

Visible plate mark and crease down center as this was a double plate. 1" tear to right side of upper margin that does not interfere with the image. Paper shows normal toning. Taped to laid paper backing at upper edge.