On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01690
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- The Garden of Love
- Chronology
- Ca. 1633
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 198 cm x 283 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This scene from a court feast takes
place in a relaxed atmosphere in
which a group of persons flirt in
an idyllic garden. The cupids
around the group carry symbols of
conjugal love, including a pair of
doves and the yolk carried by the
cupid in the upper left part of the
composition. The fountains or
sculptures of the three Graces and
of Venus nursing signify fecundity
and marital happiness, while the
peacock symbolizes the goddess,
Juno, who protects matrimony.
Rubens uses motives from
Renaissance sculptures, but sets
the scene in the mannerist portico
of his own house in Antwerp, which
led to the idea that it was a
self-portrait with friends. In the
early inventories it was called
Rubens' Family, but in any case, it
is an allegory and exaltation of
conjugal love and happiness.
This work was listed for the first
time in 1666, when it hung in the
King's bedroom at Madrid's Alcázar
Palace.
Location on the map
