Bacchanten, sater en vrouw met druiven 1881 - 1909

Charles Theodore Bernier created this etching titled "Bacchanten, sater en vrouw met druiven," depicting a scene of revelry and sensual indulgence. The figures, wreathed in grapevines, evoke the intoxicating essence of Bacchus, the god of wine. The grape, a central motif, historically symbolizes fertility, abundance, and ecstatic liberation. We can trace its evolution from ancient Dionysian rites to its appearance in Roman art, where it represents both earthly pleasures and divine ecstasy. The enduring appeal of the grape lies in its powerful ability to engage viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory of primal, unrestrained experiences. This symbol has continually resurfaced throughout history, transformed, reinterpreted, and imbued with new significance to reflect various cultural values.