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Sebastiano Ricci, The Meeting of Bacchus and Ariadne

The Meeting of Bacchus and Ariadne, 1713-15

Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)

RA Collection: Art

Despite the riotous bacchanalia that surrounds the god of wine, Bacchus’s attention has been caught by Ariadne. Swathed in blue drapery, the Cretan princess is wandering the shoreline of the Greek island of Naxos where she has been abandoned by Theseus.

After falling for Ariadne at first sight, Bacchus will shortly propose marriage. Eventually, he throws her wedding crown into the air, immortalising Ariadne as the constellation Corona Borealis. This is one in a series of works painted by Ricci at Burlington House that celebrate the triumph of love. It is on the ceiling of the General Aseembly Room.

Object details

Title
The Meeting of Bacchus and Ariadne
Artist/designer
Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)
Date
1713-15
Object type
Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions

2718 mm x 6555 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
03/214
Acquisition
Transferred from H.M. Office of Works in 1867
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