Sketch for the fresco adorning the ceiling of the Sala de Maria Luisa in the Casa del Labrador at Aranjuez. Beneath Flora in flight is the Earth goddess, Cybele, to whom some farmers pay their respects. On one side is Apollo, god of the sun, with the allegories of the Tagus and Jarama rivers that meet in Aranjuez. On the other is Ceres with sheaves of corn.
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 i