The Dionysiac (Mystery) Frieze

The Basics 54 square metres 3.3m high Figures 1.5 high 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 2 nd 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