Travelers to the Isle of Cythere, Bernard Picart, 1705, Within an oval, a richly dressed lady and gentleman are depicted in front of grove. The lady (Venus) encloses a staff with her left hand, here intended as an attribute of the pilgrim. She raises the shell in her right hand like a glass. The man is pouring wine from a pitcher. In front of the couple stands the half-naked Bacchus, god of wine, wearing a crown of vine leaves and holding a thyrsus, a staff with a knob in the shape of a pine cone (an ancient fertility symbol). Also, he holds a torch with burning fire. Also in the foreground is a small, carved representation of a herm. Such a herm was used in the 'secret marriage ritual,' associated with purification and fertility. In the background are boats and the island of Cythere, off the coast of Laconia in southern Greece. The print refers to the theme of 'Embarkation to Cythera': boys and girls from all walks of life and dressed as pilgrims are preparing to board a boat that will take them to the Temple of Love on the island., print maker: Bernard Picart, publisher: Gaspard Duchange, intermediary draughtsman: Bernard Picart, 1705, paper, etching, engraving, h 96 mm × w 129 mm
Keywords:
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