Description
| ITEM | Herm of youthful Bacchus |
| MATERIAL | Marble, Rosso Antico |
| CULTURE | Roman |
| PERIOD | 1st – 2nd Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 132 mm x 105 mm x 50 mm, without stand |
| CONDITION | Good condition. Includes stand and a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database |
| PROVENANCE | Ex European private collection, Ex À la Reine Margot (1975), Ex Galerie Orient – Occident (1973), Paris, France. |
Bacchus was the god of wine, revelry, and ecstatic celebration, often depicted as a youthful and exuberant figure. A herm is a type of sculpture commonly used in ancient Rome, characterized by a rectangular pillar with a bust or head at the top, and sometimes a body. The Roman version of the youthful Bacchus would often emphasize his youthful beauty and vitality, capturing the spirit of youth, pleasure, and divine intoxication. These sculptures were commonly placed in gardens, private homes, and temples as symbols of enjoyment and luxury, reflecting the Roman aristocracy’s admiration for indulgence.
In artistic terms, the Roman herm of Bacchus typically presents the god as an idealized young man, sometimes adorned with symbols of his divine attributes. Bacchus is often shown wearing a wreath of ivy or grapes, referencing his association with wine and the vine. His expression is typically playful, evoking a sense of carefree joy and the pleasures of the senses. Roman sculptors were heavily influenced by earlier Greek representations of Dionysus, particularly the Late Classical and Hellenistic styles, which celebrated the god’s beauty and vitality. In Roman art, however, Bacchus was often given a more naturalistic treatment, emphasizing a more humanized and relatable version of the god. This made Bacchus one of the most approachable and universally appreciated deities in Roman culture, particularly among the elite who were drawn to the hedonistic aspects of his person.
The youthful Bacchus was not just a symbol of indulgence but also a representation of fertility, renewal, and the natural cycle of life. His role as a god who brought both joy and chaos made him a popular subject in Roman art and literature, especially during the Imperial period. Sculptures of Bacchus, such as the herm, were often used in private villas and banquet halls, where they functioned as decorative pieces that reflected the social atmosphere of feasting and entertainment. Additionally, the youthful Bacchus symbolized the transient pleasures of life, a reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and revelry.
