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Orpheos Bakkikos

CA$1,375.00
Only 1 available

A playful reinterpretation of the controversial gem of Berlin that has been lost since World War II. Francesco Carotta (2008) has argued that the original may have represented a form of roman tropaion, a memorial trophy, probably erected for the mourning of Julius Caesar, as the iconography does not coincide with early depictions of the crucifixion, either Christian or otherwise. 

However, to my eyes the idea of a bacchic Christ is simply too good to miss. His cross thus emerges from the wine krater, it is crowned by the crescent moon and the seven Pleiades, which constitute the lyre of Orpheus, and I have tried to respect the odd rendering on the original inscription.

It has often been commented in Art History how the crucifixion is rather scarce in early Christian art, and so is the suffering that would come to characterize the late medieval forked crosses or crucifixus dolorosus. Instead, this is a blissful crucifix, corresponding to a mystery that was left unanswered, he probably left us behind laughing. 

*Sales protocol for these original pieces will be unique in that, after a purchase is made on our website, we will personally reach out to each customer to arrange a customized shipping plan, ensuring both parties are aligned on what can and cannot be done to guarantee safe and smooth delivery of the items.

A playful reinterpretation of the controversial gem of Berlin that has been lost since World War II. Francesco Carotta (2008) has argued that the original may have represented a form of roman tropaion, a memorial trophy, probably erected for the mourning of Julius Caesar, as the iconography does not coincide with early depictions of the crucifixion, either Christian or otherwise. 

However, to my eyes the idea of a bacchic Christ is simply too good to miss. His cross thus emerges from the wine krater, it is crowned by the crescent moon and the seven Pleiades, which constitute the lyre of Orpheus, and I have tried to respect the odd rendering on the original inscription.

It has often been commented in Art History how the crucifixion is rather scarce in early Christian art, and so is the suffering that would come to characterize the late medieval forked crosses or crucifixus dolorosus. Instead, this is a blissful crucifix, corresponding to a mystery that was left unanswered, he probably left us behind laughing. 

*Sales protocol for these original pieces will be unique in that, after a purchase is made on our website, we will personally reach out to each customer to arrange a customized shipping plan, ensuring both parties are aligned on what can and cannot be done to guarantee safe and smooth delivery of the items.

 

Original: 2025

Dimensions: 23.7 cm x 36 cm (9.3” x 14.2”).

Materials: All pieces are ink and watercolor on Hanhemühle bamboo paper 250mm and Arches Cold Pressed Cotton paper 300mm. Seal ink is composed of cinnabar and castor oil.

Condition: Excellent. N.B.: We strongly encourage to keep paper out of direct sunlight and humidity. 

Shipping: These artworks must be shipped rolled in sturdy boxes or tubes and will need to be unrolled and flattened before framing.

US Tariffs: Due to recent U.S. tariff changes, Original Artworks shipped from Canada may be subject to import duties. However, as these works were created outside Canada, primarily in Peru, Italy, or Germany, substantially lower rates may apply, if any. U.S.-based customers will be contacted individually prior to shipping to address any applicable duties.

*Each original artwork comes with Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist and the publisher.