The feast of Bacchus - attributed to Niccolo de Simone

17th century Old Master painting "Bacchus celebration" attributed to Niccolo de Simone

The Bacchus celebration, also known as Bacchanalia, was both a joyous and extended affair in ancient Rome. Spanning several days, it featured lively music, colorful costumes, extravagant feasts, and unrestrained merrymaking. Participants engaged in ecstatic dances, singing, and drinking to honor Bacchus and celebrate the advent of spring. This festival provided an opportunity for people to cast off inhibitions, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment while embracing the pleasures of life.

The influence of Nicolas Poussin is very palpable in the present painting. Poussin, a prominent French Baroque painter, had a significant impact on other artists during his time in Rome. His emphasis on classical subject matter, rigorous composition, and careful attention to detail left a lasting mark on artists of his generation and generations to come, both in Italy and beyond. The vibrant blues in the present painting, the modelling of the cherubs and much of the composition appear to be an artistic nod to the great master, yet crafted in the own distinct artistic DNA of De Simone.

We thank Nicola Spinosa for confirming the attribution of the present painting to De Simone. He pointed out the existence of another version of the composition published in "pag. 34, fig. 32 (olio su tela, cm. 97x129,5) monografia su Aniello Falcone e i pittori della sua cerchia, edita nel 2023 da Silvana Editoriale"

Measurements:
Oil on canvas ca. 95*130 cm and with its magnificent old frame ca. 135*170 cm.

Provenance:
Private collection Belgium
German art market as attributed to Niccolo de Simone