Mythological Scene of Agriculture

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This modello, or detailed oil study, is one of a group of 12 that Giordano made in preparation for the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence in 1682–85. The overall theme of these highly elaborate, showpiece frescoes is the progress of mankind by means of Wisdom and Virtue. This scene corresponds with the right half of the ceiling decoration above the north wall of the grand Galleria, opposite the windows. Its theme is fertility. Ceres, goddess of agriculture, is sowing a field ploughed by the muscular Triptolemus, who also had agricultural associations. Flora, the flower goddess, sits with her back turned; watering the soil close by is the wind god Zephyr. Between them is Vertumnus, protector of gardens and husband of Pomona, goddess of orchards, who is pruning a pomegranate tree at the left.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Mythological Scene of Agriculture

Date

early 1680s

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 121.4 x W 192 cm

Accession number

NG6630

Acquisition method

Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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