The Story of Bacchus thumbnail 1
The Story of Bacchus thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On display at Houghton Hall, Norfolk

The Story of Bacchus

Tapestry
1660-1699 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The three tapestries depicting scenes from the story of Bacchus are the only examples known of this design, and have unusual borders, which seem to have been designed especially for the series.

On loan to Houghton Hall.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • The Story of Bacchus (series title)
  • Bacchus and Ariadne (popular title)
Materials and techniques
tapestry woven in wool
Brief description
Tapestry depicting Bacchus and Ariadne from the Story of Bacchus set, probably English, 1660-99
Physical description
Tapestry hanging woven in wool and silk .The scene is of a bacchanalian party, with Ariadne seated in the middle being addressed by Bacchus, and dancing satyrs and nymphs. The border design has satyrs and medallion busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, among swags of fruit.
Dimensions
  • Height: 334cm
  • Visible width: 486cm
Some parts of the tapestry have been folded in on themselves, reducing the amount of the central scene visible and its actual measurements will be established when it is taken down for conservation. It appears that at least 25 cms is hidden or cut from the width. note by Frances Hartog in report 3 November 2014 : H 330 x W 490 including 28 cm tuck
Credit line
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum
Object history
It cannot at present be proved that this set of tapestries hung at Houghton Hall in the time of Sir Robert Walpole, but it is very likely. Walpole, in describing the Embroidered Bedchamber where the set now is, stated "the hangings are tapestry".
Summary
The three tapestries depicting scenes from the story of Bacchus are the only examples known of this design, and have unusual borders, which seem to have been designed especially for the series.

On loan to Houghton Hall.
Collection
Accession number
T.72-2002

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Record createdAugust 16, 2002
Record URL
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