CLEMENTE RUTA | The Procession of Bacchus 

G. Cirillo and A. Crispo, Clemente Ruta (Parma 1685-1767), Parma 2012, pp. 178-80, cat. no. 122, reproduced in colour p. 179 and on the front cover (as location unknown).

This painting is one of a series of thirty-six by Clemente Ruta said to be commissioned by Charles III between 1738 and 1741, of which only half are known today. A number of these works comprised pairs of mythological scenes. The present painting appears to have formed part of such a pair - its pendant depicts Bacchus dancing, although its smaller dimensions suggest it may have originated from an alternativee series (oil on canvas, 42 x 59 cm.; location unknown).¹ 

1 See Cirillo and Crispo 2012, cat. no. 123, reproduced p. 179.