The Vintage Festival – Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1873

“The Vintage Festival”, steel engraving made in 1873 by Auguste Blanchard after the painting (Opus LXXXI) by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Coloured…

“The Vintage Festival”, steel engraving made in 1873 by Auguste Blanchard after the painting (Opus LXXXI) by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Coloured by a hand later. Size: 36,5 x 86 cm. In its original frame.

The Vintage Festival is Alma-Tadema’s first exploration into the nature of Roman religious rituals dedicated to the god Bacchus, who was particularly revered for his association with wine. According to the writer Livy (59 BC – 17 AD), Bacchanalic rites were banned in Rome because they often led to “debauchery and murder”. Worshipers had to apply for a special permit and gatherings were limited to five people. Inscriptions however, prove that there was continued, extensive cult activity.

Although the figures in the foreground of this work hold a serene and orderly procession, the dancing crowd in the background suggests more wild behaviour. The procession to celebrate the annual vintage is led by a priestess. Her hair is decorated with grapes and ivy leaves. She is followed by a group of musicians and dancing figures. Two men carry the young wine in amphorae, followed by a servant with a basket of grapes. Directly in front of us is a large terracotta vase, filled with the new wine.

Price: SOLD