Featured Mythological Parian or Bisque figure group

Purchased this figure group last week and subsequently identified it as a Thuringian production by Porzellanfabrik Hertwig & Co., marked on the back with their logo:



The piece stands about a foot tall and depicts a figure of Mercury with a goat at his feet. Mercury (or Hermes) is cradling a child resting upon what seems to be a lion-headed length of fabric or perhaps a skin ...and presenting the child to whom I assume is the mother.


I thought at first I was looking at the birth of cupid, but I'm not so sure that IS the subject as Venus wasn't involved with Mercury as far as I know!

Any suggestions on what's going on here gratefully received!

 

@Bronwen

 

I know the goat symbolizes fertility. Since I went with "Dionysus" on the other post, I may as well continue down that road. I'll do my best here as it's been a while since I studied /read about Greek lore. Dionysus was Semeles' baby by Zeus. Dionysus was born twice. First, he came from an incestuous union between Zeus and his daughter, Persephone. After being killed, he was reborn from a union between Zeus and Semele, the youngest daughter of the Phoenician hero, Cadmus, and of Harmonia, the goddess of harmony and concord. Zeus seduced Semele in disguise, and Hera found out, got jealous (What else was new?), and coerced him into returning to the woman in god form. When he did, his countenance turned Semele to ashes. Zeus somehow salvaged their unborn baby and nurtured it to birth. After Dionysus was born, to spare it from Hera's wrath, Zeus tasked Hermes with bringing the baby to Ino (the Queen of Thebes and sister of Semele) and Athamas (the King), both of whom would disguise him as a girl. I think Hermes put the baby in the care of Lo, Semale's sister, though; maybe that is what this is depicting. Then again, Hermes also was tasked with rescuing and /or rearing other infants, including Arcas and Helen of Troy. Maybe he is presenting one of them.

 

Here is another theory: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/hertwig-germany-parian-figural-group-458450795

 

Gorgeous piece. I can see why you were attracted to it, but I can't help you with the mythology.

 

Haven't seen Browen in a while. Hope she is ok.

 

She liked something on Thursday.

 

Is the baby holding a cluster of grapes ...maybe it's Bacchus...

https://www.windows2universe.org/mythology/gods_n_goddesses/Mercury/Mercury_Bacchus.html

 

I sent her a message yesterday, but haven't heard from her yet. I was thinking of emailing her if she doesn't reply.

 

I worried she seemed to be rare lately
Hoping too there is nothing bad
Let us know if she emails you

 

It is a cluster of grapes ...Well done @aaroncab! You've nailed it -I'm going with The Birth of Bacchus!

 

Yes, she has only made rare, short appearances, and the last was on thursday. Which is why I was getting worried.
Of course I will let you know.

 

Me too.

 

Here's a painting of a very similar scene.



Flemish school 15th century, Moulins, Musee d’Art et d’Archeologie

 

Of course.

 

Dude, I didn't realize at the time that this was the same story from the Greek perspective and of course ....Bacchus IS Dionysus DUH! ..you nailed it first out of the gate - thanks again!

 

My pleasure, B. I finally beat someone to the punch! Does this mean I get my first "best answer"? Zippity Doo Dah!

 

Props @dude - I completely spaced on the Dionysus/Bacchus relationship too!

Suddenly this conversation reminded me of my own bisque porcelain baby(or genie/genius of) bacchus -with goat!

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/b...resser-box-casket-spurious-sevres-mark.34391/

 

You and Aaron both get one from me today! Congrats!

 

Oops - just realized only *one* post can get best answer ..sorry guys!