Sebastiano Ricci, The Meeting of Bacchus and Ariadne, 1713-15.
Oil on canvas. 2718 mm x 6555 mm. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photographer: John Hammond.
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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
2718 mm x 6555 mm
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