Wood Engraving of a Tapestry of Bacchus and Ariadne, from Amours des Dieux (Loves of the Gods) 1749 - 1900

This anonymous wood engraving reproduces a tapestry depicting the wedding of Bacchus and Ariadne. Works like these circulated widely, shaping visual culture and social norms. Focusing on classical mythology, this tapestry reflects the cultural elite's interest in stories of gods and heroes. Bacchus, the god of wine and ecstasy, embodies indulgence and liberation, while Ariadne, abandoned by Theseus, represents female vulnerability and resilience. The wedding celebrates their union, reinforcing patriarchal ideals and gender roles within marriage. I wonder about the contrast between the elite's enjoyment of these stories and the realities of gender and power in everyday life. How did those outside the privileged classes interpret images of divine love and marriage? This tapestry, reproduced in print, invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, representation, and lived experiences.