Bacchus and Ariadne on the island of Naxos,...

Bacchus and Ariadne on the island of Naxos, late 17th-early 18th century.
Exceptional preparatory drawing for a fan leaf, executed in ink on cabretille, and decorated on both sides.
In the centre, Bacchus and Ariadne triumph on their chariot drawn by leopards. Around them a merry company celebrates their union. Nymphs play cymbals, lovebirds ride goats.
On the reverse side, Ariane is sorry to see a boat pull away, reminding her of Theseus' departure. Standing in front of her, Bacchus is accompanied by fauns and nymphs in full libation. His leopards are harnessed to his chariot in the background.
All around, a rich border of bunches of grapes.
Dimensions 29 x 60 cm
With a frame with a golden rod (glass missing).
H. 58 x W. 88 cm
Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.