Italian, Venice, early 17th century

Jean Dollfus (1800–1887), France;

His sale, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, 1-2 April 1912, lot 155

This attractive pair of classical deities relates stylistically to the work of the Venetian sculptor Nicolò Roccatagliata (circa 1560-1629), whose workshop was continued in the 17th century by his son, Sebastiano Nicolini. Bacchus, the god of wine and festivity, is here paired with Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and harvest.