On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01414
- Author
- Balen, Hendrik van (Flemish); Brueghel “the Elder”, Jan (Flemish)
- Title
- Cybele and the Seasons in a Garland of Fruit
- Chronology
- Before 1618
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 106 cm x 75 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Two nymphs and numerous cupids hold
a garland that frames a medallion
where an offering to Ceres is
depicted. The goddess of the Earth
and of agriculture is shown being
crowned by Spring while allegorical
figures of the other seasons offer
her their fruits. The cupids hold
objects alluding to the signs of
the Zodiac. Thus, the passage of
time and the Earth's life cycles
are emphasized.
This work is of doubtful
attribution. The figures may have
been painted by Hedrick van Balen,
with the possible participation of
Jan Brueghel, “the younger.”
A copy of this painting appears in
Brueghel's Taste (P1397), which was
signed in 1618, and that helps to
date this work in among the
artist's later production. It is
listed at Madrid's new Royal Palace
in 1794, where it is attributed to
Jan van Kessel.
Location on the map
