Bacchus

The ancient Dionysius from Greek mythology, who saved Arianna from the desperation of being left alone by the hero Theseus marrying her and making her immortal, was the god of wine and cheerfulness, of the ever changing fascination which manifests one’s own soul’s agitation. The Crocetti’s version seems to take inspiration by the ancient sculpture of Dionysius also known as Richelieu, roman copy in marble from a 300 B.C. original possibly by Prassitheles (Paris, Louvre Museum): in both sculptures in fact, the divinity seems to invite the observer to join him in a banquet, offering a cup of wine.