Who Am I?

I have decided to use picture #20 in my blog, because it was the most intriguing to me. I immediately decided in my own mind that this is a portrait of Dionysus, god of wine (known as Bacchus by the Romans).

The first thing that strikes me about this portrait is the attitude of Dionysus. He leans casually against a pillow on a lounge chair, his eyes half-lidded and directed nonchalantly at the viewer. His left hand is stretched out to offer a glass of deep purple wine, his right hand idly toying with some sash or bow around his waist. This is a man of indolence and luxury, actively inviting the viewer to join him. He appreciates good company and would prefer to laze about, eating and drinking lavishly, than handle any responsibilities. He is obviously not a fighter, for he is inattentive and unconcerned, not to mention a copious lack of scars, wrinkles or worry lines.

This brings us to Dionysus’ physique. He is baby-faced, no facial hair apparent, with full lips, a rounded nose, a gentle chin, long eyelashes and fine, narrow eyebrows. His thick black curls fall gently around his face, and his cheeks are flushed - perhaps because of his drinking. His beauty is refined and delicate. Dionysus is clearly a man of tastes, a connoisseur of the pleasures in life. Though his face suggests more of a boy than a man, his upper arm displays strongly defined biceps. He is strong, much more powerful than he appears at first sight. However, he doesn’t seem to enjoy exercising that strength. Rather, prefers to lay about half-clothed and feast among friends. Still, his intensely dark eyes and lightly arched brow seem to veil an unspoken challenge; you would not refuse the glass of wine he is offering.

Finally, I will touch on the elements surrounding Dionysus. His head is crowned with grapes and autumn grape leaves, and similar grapes and leaves adorn the overflowing fruit bowl. An additional decanter of wine is ready on the table. The grapes not only hint at the identity of the god of wine, but serve as an indicator of his wealth and the sumptuousness of his lifestyle. Likewise, the fruit show that he is rich, living without a worry or care except that his desires be met. The arrangements again display his tastes, his love of excessive and showy displays of his riches. He is the kind who would spend copious amounts of money to flaunt his affluence to those around him, unconcerned about whether or not he will have anything left the next day.

Overall, one might call him a playboy (just look at him lounging there), but that’s a little anachronistic for Dionysus. He might be more appropriately described as a hedonist, as well as an aesthete. Worldly, complex, powerful, and blithe, Dionysus is a many faceted character.