Mythological Scene of Agriculture

early 1680s, Luca Giordano

This painting is part of the group: Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

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On loan from the collection of Sir Denis Mahon CH CBE FBA since 1999, © Private collection 2000. Used by permission

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Room A Screen 22

Ceres, goddess of the harvest, or summer, is sowing seeds in a field ploughed by Triptolemus. Flora, or spring, is seated, with her back turned, and Zephyr waters the soil. Between them is Vertumnus, protector of gardens and husband of Pomona, who is seen pruning the branches of a tree at the left. A chariot drawn by peacocks carries Juno across the sky.

This painting is one of a group of 10 modelli, or elaborated oil studies, made in preparation for the fresco projects that Giordano created for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. On the ceiling of the Galleria, this scene adjoins the 'Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine' and the nymphs at the left look back in fear at the sight of Pluto carrying off Proserpine.