Dionysus was nourished by the rain-nymphs of Nysa in his infancy and youth. These Hyades were the daughers of Atlas (son of Aether and Gaia, and carrier of the Heavens) and Pleione (one of the Oceanids, one of the three thousand daughers of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys) and they were rewarded for raising Dionysus with a place amoungst the stars. Dionysus, of course, became the God of Wine and the God of Epiphany: he is the God of "That which comes."

The painting applies symbolism that hints at the future of Dionysus; both characters come to the realisation of Dionysus' future.

It was created over a period of a few months in the evening hours, and recently I had the opportunity to finish it. I learned many things that I will apply in future work - and learned many things left to improve still.

The image can be seen at my site as well: http://bit.ly/u887s