Taylor - Eleusianian and Bacchic Mysteries.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

"List of Illustrations. 253PAGE.35. ETRUSCAN MYSTIC CEREMONY. Rom. Camp 9436. ETRUSCAN ALTAR GROUP. Flor. Mus 106The mystic cist with serpent coiled around, the sacred oaks,baskets, drinking-horns, zones, festoon of branches and flowers,make very pretty and impressive accessories to two handsomepriestesses.37. ETRUSCAN BACCHANTES. Millingen 106These two groups were drawn from a vase (page 7) which isa very fine work of art. The drapery, decoration, symbols,accessories, and all the details of implements used in the celebration of the Mysteries are very carefully drawn on the vase,which is well preserved. This vase is a strong proof of theantiquity of the orgies, for the Etruscans, Tyrrheni, andTusci were ancient before the Romans began to build on theTiber.38. ETRUSCAN CEREMONY. Millingen 10639. SATYR, CUPID AND VENUS. Montfaucon ; Sculpture. 110Some Roman writers affirmed that the Satyr was a real animal,but science has dissipated that belief, and the monster hasbeen classed among the artificial attractions of the theaterwhere it belongs, and where it did a large share of duty in theMysteries. They were invented by the poets as an impersonation of the life that animates the branches of trees when thewind sweeps through them, moaning, whistling, or shriekingin the gale. They were said to be the chief attendants onBacchus, and to delight in revel and wine.40. CUPIDS, SATYR, AND STATUE OF PRIAPUS. Montfaucon 110Th^many suggestive emblems in this picture form an instructive group, symbolic of Nature s life-renewing power. Theancients adored this power under the emblems of the organsof generation. Many passages in the Bible denounce that worship, which is called the grove,"and usually was an uprightstone, or wooden pillar, plain or ornamented, as in Rome,where it beeam,e a statue to the waist, as seen in the engraving. The Palladium at Athens was a Greek form. TheDruzes of Mount Lebanon in Syria now dispense with emblems of wood and stone, and use the natural objects in theirmystic rites and ceremonies.41. APOLLO AND DAPHNE, Galerie des Peint 118The rising sun shines on the dew-drops, and warming them asthey hang on the leaves of the laurel tree, they disappear,