As I embrace Dry January, it’s a perfect time to explore wine from a different perspective, through its rich and storied references in art history. Throughout the ages, artists have immortalized the beauty and cultural significance of wine, weaving it into tapestries, sculptures, and paintings that celebrate its ties to nature, mythology, and human connection.
Take, for example, Les Vignes de Volnay by Michel Tourlière, a tapestry designed in 1962 and woven at the prestigious Manufacture des Gobelins in Paris. Tourlière, who hailed from the wine-rich region of Burgundy, drew inspiration from the landscape of his native Beaune, particularly the vineyards that produce the celebrated Volnay grapes. This vibrant tapestry captures the essence of Burgundy’s wine culture, with its meticulous details evoking the vines, flowers, and light of the region. The artistry of Tourlière invites us to appreciate its deep connection to the land and its enduring cultural resonance.
Similarly, Jules Dalou’s marble sculpture Bacchus and Ariadne from 1894 offers a glimpse into wine’s mythological roots. The work depicts the god of wine, Bacchus, awakening Ariadne, the princess who had been abandoned by Theseus, with a tender kiss. A mischievous faun interrupts the romance, presenting grapes as a playful nod to Bacchus’s divine domain. This classic tale, brought to life in marble, reminds us of wine’s symbolic role in love, celebration, and mythology.
These remarkable pieces, along with many others, are currently on display at The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, as part of the exhibition “Wall Power! Modern French Tapestry from the Mobilier national, Paris,” running through March 9, 2025. Better yet, The Clark is offering free admission from January through March 9, 2025, making it an ideal time to visit.
Whether you’re taking a break from drinking or not this January, let these artworks guide you through a visual journey of wine’s historical and cultural impact. Art offers a refreshing way to connect with the stories, traditions, and beauty that wine has inspired for generations.