. A richly dressed lady and gentleman for Bossage are shown within an oval. The lady (Venus) comprises a staff with its left hand, referred to as an attribute of the pilgrim. The shell in her right hand raises like a glass. The man serves wine from a jug. For the love couple, the half-naked Bacchus, god of wine, with a wreath of winger leaves and in his hand a thyrsus, a staff with a knob in the shape of a pine cone (an old fertility symbol). He also holds a torch with burning fire. Also a small, carved representation of a Herme in the foreground. Such a Herme was used in the 'secret marriage
. A richly dressed lady and gentleman for Bossage are shown within an oval. The lady (Venus) comprises a staff with its left hand, referred to as an attribute of the pilgrim. The shell in her right hand raises like a glass. The man serves wine from a jug. For the love couple, the half-naked Bacchus, god of wine, with a wreath of winger leaves and in his hand a thyrsus, a staff with a knob in the shape of a pine cone (an old fertility symbol). He also holds a torch with burning fire. Also a small, carved representation of a Herme in the foreground. Such a Herme was used in the 'secret marriage ritual', connected to cleaning and fertility. In the background, boats and the island of Cyther, by the coast of Laconia in South Greece, can be seen. The print refers to the theme 'embarkation to cythera': boys and girls from all modes and dressed like pilgrims to go on board a boat that will bring them to the Temple of love on the island.
Size: 2500px × 1810px
Photo credit: © BTEU/RKMLGE / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
