Bacchus
Figure
Early 18th century (made)
Early 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The marble represents the reclining figure of the drunken Bacchus, the god of wine, with a satyr child. Bacchus's identifying attributes include the wreath of vine-leaves and grapes around his head, the goat skin over his shoulder and the bowl of grapes. At the back is the signature of Antonio Tarsia, who was one of the most active Venetian sculptors at the beginning of the 18th century. This group and its companion figure of Thetis came from a fountain: other pieces possibly from the same complex survive at Harlaxton Manor (near Grantham, Lincolnshire), including a Putto in a red marble shell, also signed by Tarsia.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Bacchus (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Marble |
| Brief description | Figure, marble, 'Bacchus', by Antonia Tarsia, Italian (Venice), early 18th century |
| Physical description | Bacchus is seated on the ground with legs extended to the left. He has a cloak draped across his thighs. His head is upturned to the right and in his right hand he holds a bowl of grapes. Behind, a satyr child with a wreath of leaves reaches up to pick grapes out of a bowl. The naturalistic base is carefully rendered and fully finished off behind. At the left is an upturned vase containing a vine plant. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'ANT. TARSIA' (Inscription; decoration; At the back on the rockwork) |
| Object history | This figure and the figure of A.139-1956 formed part of a fountain, other pieces possibly from the same complex survive at Harlaxton Manor (Lincs). Bought with its companion group (V&A. no. A.139-1956), for £45, from the John Webb Trust. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The marble represents the reclining figure of the drunken Bacchus, the god of wine, with a satyr child. Bacchus's identifying attributes include the wreath of vine-leaves and grapes around his head, the goat skin over his shoulder and the bowl of grapes. At the back is the signature of Antonio Tarsia, who was one of the most active Venetian sculptors at the beginning of the 18th century. This group and its companion figure of Thetis came from a fountain: other pieces possibly from the same complex survive at Harlaxton Manor (near Grantham, Lincolnshire), including a Putto in a red marble shell, also signed by Tarsia. |
| Associated object | A.139-1956 (Set) |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.138-1956 |
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| Record created | October 30, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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