Large Italian Castelli-style maiolica charger, circa 1900, depicting Bacchus and Ariadne on the Island of Naxos, within border of masks and grotteschi, 61.5cm diameter
Whilst this theme was explored by Titian and Annibale Carracci, the most direct influence for this composition comes from Charles Antoine Coypel (1694-1752). Ariadne, abandoned on his rock of Naxos by Theseus, receives the visit of Bacchus. Above Ariadne, Hymen raises his torch, while Bacchus, his left hand on the heart, takes Ariadne's arm with the other, and makes his marriage proposal.