Marble Bacchus Vase with Garland of Flowers
Masterpieces of Provocative Art
Marble Bacchus Vase with Garland of Flowers
Masterpieces of Provocative ArtMasterpieces of Provocative Art
“Bacchus”
Charles Baudelaire, “Enivrez-vous” 1869Il faut être toujours ivre… De vin, de poésie ou de vertu, à votre guise, mais enivrez-vous!
A PAINTER OF FLORAL LUXURIES
Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (1636-1699) was the most important French still life painter of his time.
Although few early biographical details are known, it is assumed that he was trained in Antwerp, where he came into contact with the Dutch and Flemish still life paintings that inspired his work. In France, his lavish, floral style gained him such fame that he was commissioned to paint decorations in palaces from Vincennes to Versailles.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
The Marble Vase with Garland of Flowers displays Monnoyer’s exquisite skill in floral painting.
The roses are so full and luxurious that their heads are drooping. We imagine the rich perfume of the varied blossoms. Dew drops on petals enhance the sensory impression of the painting. Upon closer inspection, the marble vase in its midst hides a decadent secret: it depicts Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of wine, ecstasy and madness.
ORGIASTIC PLEASURES
The ancient Roman Bacchanalia, the feasts of Bacchus, were said to have been so orgiastic that Baroque artists were fascinated by them.
Baroque depictions often show Bacchus wreathed with wine leaves, as here, his expression raucous and almost menacing. A man brings him an offering, a goat-legged faun reposes by his side – perhaps already collapsed in pleasure and inebriation.
THE AGE OF THE SENSES
The image of the ancient god of wine fits perfectly into the sensuous atmosphere of the Baroque era.
Unlike most eras of Christian, Western history, the Baroque era did not shy away from involving the senses. Indeed, they served to express power: when a King held a banquet, for instance, the public was invited to watch. Luxurious details such as sugar sculptures, sweet-smelling flowers and glittering fireworks would speak to all senses.
A TOAST TO THE GOD OF WINE
Monnoyer’s paintings mirror the Baroque love of luxury and pleasure.
Until today, the sumptuous, sensual richness of his Baroque still lives fascinates – as does the idea of the wild Bacchanalia. Think of it, perhaps, when you wear this pocket square to enjoy a night out, and toast to Bacchus with a glass of fine wine.
The Signature Border
We framed this Baroque composition of flowers and the god of wine with our signature border and finished the edge in Ampelus, a dusky, vine-toned hue. The edge is hand-rolled and stitched in France.
Marble Bacchus Vase with Garland of Flowers
Masterpieces of Provocative Art- Hand-rolled edges, finished in France
- A toast to Bacchus with a glass of fine wine
- 40cm², framed by our signature house border
- 100% silk, crafted by the UK’s oldest silk printer
