The Infant Bacchus Entrusted to the Nymphs of Nysa The Death of Echo and Narcissus

The artwork The Infant Bacchus Entrusted to the Nymphs of Nysa The Death of Echo and Narcissus is a painting, created in 1657. The artwork is part of the collection of the Harvard Art Museums, and its size is 1.805 meters in width and 1.225 meters in height. The author name is not available in the provided metadata.

The painting depicts two scenes from Greek mythology. On the right side, we see the lifeless body of Narcissus, lying by a pool of water. He is surrounded by mourning nymphs, with Echo, heartbroken, sitting nearby. Narcissus, known for his beauty, fell in love with his own reflection and wasted away, transforming into the flower that bears his name.

On the left, a more lively scene unfolds. Mercury, identifiable by his winged helmet and caduceus (staff), delivers the infant Bacchus to the nymphs of Nysa. Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry, is being entrusted to their care. A satyr plays a flute in the background, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the scene. The contrast between the two narratives highlights the duality of life and death, joy and sorrow, that often coexist in mythology and art.