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Northern Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A fascinating amber-hued glass intaglio featuring a scene of a nude, muscular figure in composite profile, walking as he holds a horn in one hand and a vessel in the other, with a cloth or sash suspended over that wrist. Just who is this figure? Perhaps he represents a Bacchanalian reveler, an athlete, or an attendant to a deity - but he most certainly represents the rising fascination with the Classical world during the 18th century. The Neoclassical period saw immense interest in the Classical world, in part inspired by the budding science of archaeology. Artists looked to the deep past for inspiration, yet brought an imaginative sensibility to their depictions of it. A lovely Neoclassical intaglio, nicely wrapped with a black leather border. Size: .875" W x 1.5" H (2.2 cm x 3.8 cm) Size: .8" W x 1.5" H (2 cm x 3.8 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: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#157312

Light scratching on surface commensurate with age. Remains of old label on leather border. Could easily be made into a wearable piece of jewelry.