French bronze sculpture, 19th century

The Bacchanal was a religious festival in ancient Rome dedicated to Bacchus, or Pan, the god of wine, intoxication, and the liberation of the senses. During these celebrations, participants indulged in wild rituals, characterized by dance and music, celebrating ecstasy and the divine, with abundant wine consumption and freedom of attire. This reference is also evident in the decorations of the upper part, made of gilded bronze, where hanging grape clusters are depicted, and in the upper section, where the motifs of the dancing putti are repeated. At the center of this, there is a scene showing nude male and female figures, lying supine, with a central figure possessing goat horns playing the flute, known as the "Pan flute." In fact, the figure playing the instrument can be identified as Pan.