Ceres, Bacchus and Cupid 1690 - 1741

Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini painted "Ceres, Bacchus, and Cupid," a canvas that ripples with classical echoes. Here, Bacchus, god of wine, is crowned with grapes—an ancient symbol of revelry. Beside him stands Ceres, goddess of agriculture, distinguished by her sheaf of wheat. This pairing represents the nourishment of both body and spirit. Cupid, their son, embodies love, completing this trinity of earthly delights. The motif of the cornucopia overflows from antiquity through Renaissance painting and even into modern advertisements. Its image promises abundance and pleasure. Observe how Pellegrini uses this cluster of figures to create an emotional intensity. The figures display tenderness and intimacy, a powerful force that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols, passed down through history, invite us to reflect on life's essential elements: pleasure, sustenance, and love, ever resurfacing in our cultural memory.