INSPIRATION: Silenus Holding the Child Dionysos

My 2010 mixed-media painting,  "Man with infant", is a piece that has gotten many comments in the years since it was painted. The piece now permanently resides in the West Virginia State Museum. However, I don't believe I've ever described the inspiration behind the piece. 

Man with Infant, graphite, latex/acrylic paint and photo transfer on canvas, 26" x 30", 2010, West Virginia State Museum Collections

At the time, I was focusing on a series of mixed-media paintings, combining a minimal figure with photo transfers of my own digitally manipulated hands.  The hands, being so different in application to the rest of the figure, were intended to convey the intent, actions or character of the figure. 

Coincidentally, I came across this ancient sculpture that I had always admired, but the prominence of the hands thrust forward in a cradling position, spoke perfectly to the poses I was working to achieve.  The piece (a Roman copy after an original by Lyssipos) depicts Silenus, the tutor and caregiver of the young Dionysos, who would grow to become the Olympian god of wine.

Silenus holding the child Dionysos, marbel,  1st–2nd century CE, Louvre, Paris