17th Century - Allegory Of Winter

This remarkable 17th-century oil on canvas painting is a fine example of German Baroque art, portraying Vertumnus, the Roman god of seasons, transformation, and plant growth, in the form of an elderly woman. Attributed to an artist from the school of Ottmar Elliger the Younger (1666-1735), this work is a high-quality allegory of winter, emphasizing the cycle of time and nature’s inevitable transformations.

A recent cleaning and restoration revealed a red cape in the bottom right corner, suggesting this painting may have once been part of a larger composition, possibly featuring Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees and gardens. The theme of Vertumnus and Pomona was highly popular in 17th and 18th-century European art, symbolizing seasonal change and the cyclical nature of life.

Additionally, a wax seal on the back of the canvas, bearing the coat of arms of Lisieux (Normandy, France), hints at the painting’s provenance and historical significance. Lisieux was an important cultural center, and this seal suggests that the artwork may have once been part of a noble or ecclesiastical collection.

Vertumnus, whose name comes from the Latin "vertere" (to turn or change), was originally an Etruscan deity before being incorporated into Roman mythology. He was revered as the guardian of gardens, orchards, and seasonal transformations. Unlike Priapus, another fertility god, Vertumnus did not merely symbolize abundance but rather the entire progression of nature - from planting and growth to harvest and dormancy.

His most famous myth revolves around his romantic pursuit of Pomona, a nymph who rejected all suitors. To win her heart, Vertumnus used his shape-shifting abilities, disguising himself as various figures associated with the seasons:

  - A plowman (spring)
  - A reaper (summer)
  - A winemaker (autumn)
  - An old woman (winter)

It was in this final transformation—as an elderly woman—that he finally convinced Pomona to accept his love, making their union a powerful allegory for the eternal cycle of nature.

In this painting, Vertumnus appears as winter, cloaked in heavy garments, symbolizing the final stage of the seasonal cycle. His expressive face, lined with wrinkles of time and wisdom, serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s endless renewal.

Executed in the Baroque tradition, this painting displays strong chiaroscuro, a dramatic contrast of light and shadow that enhances the depth and expressiveness of the subject. The rich drapery, aged hands, and deep gaze reflect the artist’s skill in rendering emotion and texture.

The background, with its architectural elements and lush foliage, reinforces Vertumnus’ connection to nature. The earthy tones and dark shadows intensify the atmospheric depth, making this piece a striking representation of Baroque allegorical painting.

The myth of Vertumnus and Pomona has inspired many artists throughout history, including:

  - Giuseppe Arcimboldo, whose famous "Vertumnus" portrait used fruits and flowers to symbolize seasonal change.
  - Jean-Baptiste Oudry and François Boucher, who explored the tale’s romantic and allegorical aspects.
  - Baroque and Neoclassical painters, who depicted the pair in grand mythological scenes.

This 17th-century German school painting aligns with these artistic traditions, offering a rare and intimate portrayal of Vertumnus in his winter form.

The Lisieux wax seal provides an important clue about the painting’s history. Lisieux, a key artistic hub in 17th and 18th-century France, had strong ties to German and Dutch painting traditions. This suggests that the artwork may have been part of an elite European collection, possibly owned by a noble family or religious institution.

This 17th-century oil painting of Vertumnus as an old woman stands as a remarkable allegory of winter, rich in mythological symbolism and historical depth. Likely originating from a larger composition featuring Pomona, it offers a unique glimpse into Baroque allegorical painting and the enduring legacy of classical mythology in European art.

With its masterful execution, historical significance, and evocative storytelling, this piece is more than just a work of art - it is a testament to the intellectual and artistic traditions of the 17th century.

Artist: Unknown (unsigned).
Medium: Oil on canvas. 
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions : 65 x 51 cm. / 25 ½ x 24 in.
Frame: 79 x 64 cm. / 31 x 25 1/4 in. Gilt wood, very good condition.
Provenance: France.