mathurin moreau · (1822–1912)

Young Bacchus

TECHNIcal sheet

ABOUT THE WORK

This statuary marble group, crafted by Mathurin Moreau, depicts Cupid and Bacchus as children triumphantly carrying a mortal figure.

The camaraderie of Cupid and Bacchus, gods of desire and wine, symbolizes the hedonistic and joyous alliance of two of life’s most celebrated delights. This theme recalls a famous depiction by the painter Jean-Léon Gérôme around 1850, in which Bacchus as a child also wears a panther’s skin. Similarly, in Mathurin Moreau’s marble group, the panther’s skin, or nébride, signifies the primal forces evoked during Bacchic rituals. It is an attribute frequently worn by Bacchus, his fauns, and his Bacchantes.

In this sculpture, Bacchus is adorned with a crown of grapevine leaves, a flowing nébride, and stands near an amphora—symbols directly tied to his divine role. Cupid, on the other hand, is identifiable by his quiver and wings. Together, these two deities lift a mortal, who, with a goblet in hand, appears to be in a state of euphoric intoxication. The intricate details in this work, from the floral garlands and grapes to the expressions of the figures, reflect Moreau’s technical mastery and ability to capture a lively sense of movement. This sculpture encapsulates the artist’s ability to merge classical allegory with the decorative elegance sought by 19th-century collectors.

Rare and refined, this piece exemplifies Moreau’s genius in both execution and composition, making it a masterpiece of 19th-century French sculpture.