Dionysus’s companion stands before us. L’Ivresse de Silène, or the Intoxication of Silenus, tells a boisterous tale.
This artwork resides in the Louvre. Find it in the Department of Sculptures of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Times. More precisely, it is in Room 225.
L’Ivresse de Silène is a marble bas-relief. It was created in 1838. Measuring 1.3 meters in height, 1.4 meters in width, and 0.15 meters in depth.
Silenus is the central figure. He is surrounded by revelry. The sculpture shows his drunken state quite well.
Originally, a plaster model existed. It was displayed in Rome in 1831. The model made its way to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. It appeared at the Salon of 1835 and the Universal Exhibition of 1855.
A dark chapter befell L’Ivresse de Silène in 1870. It was mutilated. Édouard Dantan, son of the sculptor, restored it later.
In 1991, the families Dantan, Jouet, Lamy, and Logeard-Bacle donated it. Franck Jouet facilitated the donation.
Consider the imagery within L’Ivresse de Silène. It includes drunkenness and jewels. A cup and drapery are also depicted. Putti populate the scene. Lush vegetation including vines surrounds the characters. Animals are also present. An ass and a lion are visible. Mythological figures populate the relief. A Bacchante and satyrs join Silenus.
Another Bas-relief: Ivresse de Silène, created between 1640 and 1668 by Gèrard van Opstal, shows Silenus sitting heavily on a vase.