The Dionysiac (Mystery) Frieze

The Basics

54 square metres 3.3m high Figures 1.5 high 60-40 BC Villa of the Mysteries Reason for the name of the

Villa Owner of house

commissioned artist to paint scenes relating to worship of Dionysus?

Initiation ceremony?

Dionysus (Bacchus)

Cult of Dionysus introduced to Rome 2nd cent BC

Worshippers – Bacchantes Women inspired by

Dionysus to frenzy were called Maenads

We know it is Dionysus because of his Thyrsus (staff tipped with pine cone) and vine leaves in his hair

Woman almost certainly Ariadne or Semele – damage to corner

Left Wall

Two matrons One standing, one seated Listen as a boy, naked apart

from actor’s boots, reads from a scroll

Maid servant wearing wreath of olives on head, carries tray towards group on right

Tray may contain food or donations to the god

Scroll would contain detailed ritual that composes initiation ceremony

Seated women holds identical, but unopened scroll and stylus

Also left wall

Woman (priestess) seated with back to us

Flanked by two servants One holds ceremonial

basket from which priestess lifts a purple covering

Other pours water from a jug over priestess’ right hand

Overlapping the maid is a Silenus playing a 10 stringed lyre which rests on a short column

Left Wall

Next to old Silenus is younger male satyr holding pan pipes

At his side a nymph suckles on of two young goats

Dominating scene is figure of young woman running away in fear

Initiate who will be whipped?

End Wall

A Silenus looks towards the woman in previous scene while holding up a silver bowl

Young satyr appears to drink from the bowl

Another holds a theatrical mask above the head of the Silenus

Features of mask resemble Silenus

Immediate right is Dionysus Scene central image of frieze

and focus of ceremony Languid pose of Dio in arms of

Ariadne emphasizes sensuality of Dionysus

End Wall

To right of Dionysus a kneeling woman wearing cap and carrying staff

About to uncover willow-basket in order to disclose an object, possibly phallus

Next to her winged female holding whip which she is about to use on woman (initiate?) in next scene

Behind kneeling woman two other figures, but painting is damaged

Right Wall

Initiate, face buried in lap of another woman who strokes her hair and draws back cloak

Being scourged Watched by other woman

who holds thyrsus In front of he Maenad

abandons herself to orgiastic dance

Naked except for thin yellow cloak that clings to her shoulder and knees. On tip toe and clashed small cymbals above her head

Right Wall

Woman in yellow dress sits on ivory stool and arranges her hair

Yellow dress clearly shows bride

In front of her a cupid holds mirror

Second cupid looks on from right

Another woman, maid?, helps bride do hair

Right Wall

Final figure seated matron who watches brides preparations with interest

Mantle draped over head in manner of priestess, sits on chair and leans elbow on rich purple and gold cushion while feet rest on foorstall

Bride’s mother? Initiate who has completed

ritual