A PAIR OF NAPOLEON III ORMOLU-MOUNTED BOULLE MARQUETRY PIER CABINETS. CIRCA. 1860 

The ormolu mounted, tiered ebonized cabinets, with black slate and marble top, inlaid with boulle and  en contre-partie boulle marquetry of scrolling arabesques, above centrally fitted glazed door with Dionysian Satyre mask escutcheons. Scrolling foliage, along each long apron inlaid with boulle marquetry, inlaid ebony & brass, on a shapped plinth with scrolling foliage mounts centred  by Bacchus' masks within trailing vine foliage. The ebonised sides with inlaid banding, acanthus leaves buttons. centered with Apollo masks.

H: 105cm,  W: 77cm,  D: 40cm

DIONYSUS

In Greek mythology, Dionysus is presented as a son of Zeus and the mortal Semele, Malthus semi-divine or heroic: Dionysus the god of the grape harvest, winemaking, wine, pleasure and festivity. His festivals were the driving forces behind the development of Greek theater.  The festival for Dionysus is in the Spring when the leaves begin to reappear on the vine . It Became one of the most important events of the year . It's focus became the theater.  Most of the great greek plays Were initially written to be performed at the feast of Dionysus. All who took part, writers , actors , spectators, were regarded as sacred servants falling of Dionysus.

Either He Was Depicted as an older bearded god or a pretty effeminate, long-haired youth. His attributes included the thyrsos (a pine-cone tipped staff), drinking cup, leopard and fruiting vine. He Was Usually Accompanied by a troop of goat-footed Satyrs and Mainades (female devotees or nymphs Have you danced energetically falling on His festivals).