Ariadne, Cupid and Bacchus 1788

This 1788 engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi depicts the mythological figure of Ariadne, abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos. Cupid, the Roman god of love, points to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, as he approaches with a cup of wine. This scene exemplifies the story of Ariadne's rescue and subsequent marriage to Bacchus after being left by Theseus. The composition emphasizes the delicate lines and graceful poses of the figures, a hallmark of Bartolozzi's style, which was highly influential in the late 18th century. The image, while representing a classical myth, was popular among the elite and was used as a decorative print.