Dionysus
by CTCWeb Editors
Dionysus in Art
The depiction of a god or goddess by ancient Greek artists is normally consistent and drawn from the mythology surrounding the god or goddess. In the case of Dionysus, artists have depicted him as an older man with a beard and as one of the youngest gods. Students should investigate the aging of Dionysus and whether this aging takes place over archaeological periods or if it is simply a random occurrence. Below are selected vases and coins on which Dionysus appears. These items have been selected for their clear images and descriptions. A close look at the list of items below will also give students a good idea of how artists depicted Dionysus in art.
Delos, House of the Masks - mask mosaics, beautiful mosaic Dionysus on panther.
Dewing 659 - Severe style head of Dionysus.
Dewing 1036 - elderly Dionysus.
Dewing 663 - classical Dionysus.
Dewing 2239 - youthful Dionysus.
Dewing 1382 - young Dionysus.
Baltimore, Hopkins BMA 60.55.2 - Bearded as god of wine.
Harvard 1925.30.129 - Bearded as god of wine.
Harvard 1960.236 - Bearded Dionysus as god of wine.
Harvard 1960.347 - Youthful Dionysus.
Munich 2044 - Dionysus on ship surrounded by dolphins.
Athens, Agora I 7154 - Baby Dionysus being received by nymphs.
Parthenon EP.D - Dionysus attends the birth of Athena, strange how chronology is mixed-up.
Delphi, Siphnian Treasury Frieze-North - Dionysus, along with many other gods, fights the giants. He kills the giant Eurytus.
Olympia Hermes with Infant Dionysus - Hermes carries the infant Dionysus.
Parthenon East Pediment - Dionysus attends the birth of Athena, his older sister.
Questions
1. Is Dionysus older when he is in a context where he acts as the god of wine?
2. Compare the coins of the young Dionysus to those on which Hermes appears? How are the two gods alike? How are they different?
3. Why might Dionysus, one of the youngest gods (Herodotus 2.145.1), be present at the birth of Athena?
4. Why is Dionysus depicted in mosaic at the House of Masks? Hint: Think of the theater.
