208. A magnificent neo-Renaissance Bacchus dish inlaid with ivory on wood in the manner of Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701)

A magnificent Bacchus dish in the neo-Renaissance style, inlaid with ivory on wood in the manner of Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701) A decorative Bacchus dish made in the manner of works of the second half of the 17th century by the great German master Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701). A complete and striking ensemble, carved ivory, immersing you in the mysterious worlds of the Renaissance era. Dedicated to mythological plots of love affairs of the gods, the huntress Diana and Dionysian drunkenness. The main theme of drunken festivities, presented in the central medallion, compositionally unites eight oval cartouches on the periphery of the dish and creates a unique aura of ancient freedoms and temptations. The central bas-relief shows Dionysus drinking from a cup in the company of companions and the attribute of drunkenness, a goat, against a background of forest and vines. Above it, clockwise, are the scenes:

- competitions between Marsyas and Apollo with their musical judge, the Phrygian king Midas.

- Zeus in the form of Diana seduces the nymph Callisto.

- Zeus’ rescue of Callisto from her son, the young hunter Arkad, and the placement of the nymph in the sky by the constellation Ursa.

- incriminating Kalisto in pregnancy. After all, the goddess Diana severely punished Callisto for the loss of chastity - turning her into a bear.

- The abduction of Proserpina by King Hades in a chariot.

- Satyr and nymph. Satyrs Harassment.

- Actaeon and Diana. A young voyeur was turned into a deer for spying on the goddesss toilet.

- The abduction of the nymph Io by Zeus. Why did the Thunderer hide himself with clouds.

The ritual of wine veneration and love longing unite the program of the monument. They make you think about: kidnapping and punishment, ecstasy on the verge of suffering, freedom and the will of lot - in a word, about what elevates us above everyday life and immerses us in history. The decorative unity of carved plastic and the soft glow of bone achieves delightful harmony in the work. It deserves a place in the museums exhibition and definitely bears the reputation of an impeccable gift. Carved ivory on a wooden base with brass fastening hoops, deer antler. Probably 19th century Germany. Diameter: 46.5 cm. Weight: 2700 g.

Reference: A similar dish made by the master Johann Michael Maucher, Pool with the Triumph of Galatea and sea images, 1672, ivory, antler and metal, presented in the Museo Civico Medievale in Bologna. A similar dish by Johann Michael Maucher depicting hunting scenes, Diana and Actaeon in an oval shape is presented in the album: “The Golden Age of Flemish Art” from the collection of the State Hermitage. Inv. No. E-7267