Bacchus, God of Wine

Bacchus was the Roman god of the vine and wine. In Greek culture, Bacchus was known as Dionysus. He was one of the most important deities of the classical world. The festivals held in his honour were known as Bacchanalia and consisted of an orgiastic cult in which wine played a central role. These celebrations were eventually banned by the Roman Senate, but the worship of the god of the vine and wine continued until the 2nd century AD.

Dibuix de Bacus fet per Jordi Alumà

Bacchus has been represented in many ways in classical sculpture. With the arrival of the Renaissance and the revival of elements of classical culture, Bacchus was depicted by numerous Renaissance and Baroque artists, such as:

• Michelangelo.
• Leonardo da Vinci.
• Titian.
• Velázquez.
• Caravaggio.

Bacchus has taken many forms in artistic representation, but he is most often depicted with elements associated with the vine and wine, such as vine leaves and bunches of grapes adorning his head.

Jordi Alumà hand drawing of Bacchus god

Bacchus has also appeared in the work of various Catalan artists. The renowned painter Jordi Alumà i Masvidal, son of the poster artist Josep Alumà, who created advertising posters for different wineries, also dedicated part of his work to the god Bacchus. Following the artistic movement of figurativism, Alumà depicted Bacchus with vine leaves and grape clusters on his head.

Jordi Alumà drawing of Bacchus

The Torelló family, deeply sensitive to art and culture, holds in its collection several drawings with Bacchic themes by the artist Jordi Alumà. All the drawings are signed by the artist and include a special dedication to Mrs Ernestina and the Torelló family.