The Dionysiac (Mystery) Frieze

1. The Dionysiac (Mystery) Frieze

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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