Silenius was a companion and tutor to Bacchus. He belongs to the Silenoi, the followers of Bacchus, who were notorious in the mythical world for being bald and fat with thick lips and squat noses. Silenoi were usually depicted in a drunken stupor, and had to be supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenius is described in myths as Bacchus’ oldest and wisest follower.
Whilst intoxicated, Silenius was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy. De Ribera has depicted the episode when Phrygian King Midas was eager to learn from Silenius, and captured him by lacing a fountain from which Silenus often drank. The act of deception is clearly communicated in this print by the threatening body language of the King’s animalistic servants in comparison to the languishing, oblivious Silenius.
