Relief of Bacchus

Made from Greek pentelic marble from the 2nd century B.C., the nude figure of Bacchus in high relief rests on a high base. Now missing, the right arm was originally contorted around the head, while the left arm now rests on a log enveloped by a snake. The left hand is touching a bunch of grapes, the traditional symbol of this deity.
The sculpture was formerly kept at the Gonzaga villa of La Favorita, situated on the outskirts of Mantua. It was then purchased by Duke Charles of Gonzaga-Nevers, probably at the antiquarian market of Venice around 1670.