An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Pleasures of the Seasons: Summerc. 1730
Artist: Johann Georg Platzer
Austrian, 1704 - 1760
Allegory. Rococo.
15 x 21 1/2 in. (38.1 x 54.61 cm) (panel)
19 3/4 x 26 1/2 in. (50.17 x 67.31 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on copper
Painting
Austria
18th century
Gift of Mrs. Walter H. Ude
In the soft embrace of summer’s warmth, a statue of Ceres stands gracefully nestled within a delicate shell-shaped niche. This ancient Roman goddess, the very embodiment of abundance, cradles a cornucopia in her arms. Its overflowing bounty symbolizes the richness of the earth, a testament to nature's generosity and the promise of harvest.
Just beyond the graceful archway, life unfolds in vivid scenes. Laborers toil in the golden fields under the sun's gentle gaze, basking in the rhythm of the seasons. Their hands, roughened by work, till the soil that yields life—a quiet harmony in their movements, as the world hums along with their diligent efforts.
Nearby, by the glistening river’s edge, a man has taken a moment to cool off, seeking solace in the refreshing waters. He leans back against a sun-warmed stone, allowing the peaceful current to wash away the weight of the day.
Yet, in the same breath of tranquility, the foreground speaks of playful revelry—an aquatic dance of a more sensual nature unfolds. Laughter and splashes mingle in the air, a contrasting celebration of life that pulses just beneath the serene surface, reminding us of the myriad layers of existence that weave through our days.
In this quiet moment captured by the sculptor’s hand, Ceres stands sentinel, a reminder that the dance of nature and humanity exists side by side, ever entwined in a vivid tapestry of life.
About the artist
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