This late 17th-century mythological scene by Antoine Coypel symbolizes the union of Cupid, the god of love, and Bacchus, the god wine. Both deities are youthful figures, with Bacchus as a handsome young man, and Cupid a boy just verging on adolescence. Venus looks on from her cloud overhead while Cupid and Bacchus drink a toast to their alliance. Others join in the celebration: three Graces dance at left, and creatures from Bacchus's company, including fauns, cavort at right. Coypel painted this work for a private patron and exhibited it at the Salon of 1704.

Adapted from

• DMA label copy, n.d.

• DMA label copy, 1993.

• The British Museum, London
  Check out this 1717 portrait of Antoine Coypel.

• Museo del Prado, Madrid
  Read a biography of Antoine Coypel.

• The Morgan Library & Museum, New York
  View a drawing of an angel by Coypel.

• National Galleries Scotland, Edinburgh
  See a portrait of Coypel and his son, Charles Antoine Coypel by Gaspard Duchange.

• Chateau de Versailles
  Explore the Royal Chapel of Versailles. Antoine Coypel painted the center panel of the ceiling, God the Father in his Glory.