142. A circular surtout de table in gilt-bronze, attributed to Pierre Philippe Thomire, first half of the 19th century It consists of four small pillars featuring the heads of Dionysos and musical trophies, supporting a wide frieze of daisies tied with ribbons, surmounted by young Dionysosfigures holding vine shoots. 67cm in diameter, 13.5cm high (26in in diameter, 5in high). The Greek god of wine and vineyards, festivity and theatre, Dionysus is a deity of ecstasy, transformation and mystery. His cult, marked by collective exaltation, shaped the calendars of cities and provinces and profoundly influenced ancient culture. Often represented carrying a kantharos or accompanied by a goat, he is above all recognised by his wreath of vine leaves, his thyrsus, and the vines, ivy and clusters of grapes that provide ideal decorative motifs.