The Triumphal Procession of Bacchus, Maarten van Heemskerck from the old master collection

The Triumphal Procession of Bacchus, Maarten van Heemskerck

On his many journeys, Bacchus (Greek: Dionysus), the Greek and Roman god of wine and fertility, was accompanied by Maenads and Satyrs, his attribute the panther, and goats. Together, they indulged themselves in an ecstasy stimulated by wine and dance. In the art of classical antiquity, the wine-god’s outward appearance as a nude, soft and often drunken ruler became early established. The present painting in landscape format shows Bacchus as the main figure in a triumphal procession. He is to proceed through the arch visible at the left edge of the painting on his way to his final destination, the round temple situated on a hill in the background. Bacchus is seated in the chariot, enthroned atop a wine barrel. His entourage is equally intoxicated; even the animal pulling the chariot is no longer up to its task. Beneath the animal, a Satyr has fallen to the ground and vomited; a mirror held by a gleeful child reveals the mishap to the viewer.