John William Godward
In Greek mythology, the female followers of Dionysus and the most significant members of the Thiasus (the god's retinue) were called maenads or Bassarids, Bacchae, or Bacchantes. Their name literally translates as "raving ones."
Often the maenads were portrayed as inspired by Dionysus into a state of ecstatic frenzy through a combination of dancing and intoxication. During these rites, the maenads would dress in fawn skins and carry a thyrsus, a long stick wrapped in ivy or vine leaves and tipped with a pinecone. They would weave ivy-wreaths around their heads or wear a bull helmet in honor of their god, and often handle or wear snakes. The maenad depicted today by Godward looks quite relaxed. Maybe she is resting after one of the frenzy ecstatic dances? At the same time, she gazes at us directly, in a quite provocative way.
Have a great Saturday everyone!
P.S. Here everything about the mythological maenads you should know and here you can read how the idea of a maenad functions in the contemporary art and pop culture (Beyoncé included!).
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