Four Seaons – after Gerard de Lairesse, c. 1750

THE FOUR SEASONS AND THE GODS

Series of the Four Seasons. copper engravings after prints by Gerard de Lairesse made around 1750 by “VK”, possibly Nicolaes Verkolje. Coloured by a later hand. Each ca. 13 × 17.5 cm.

“Ver” – Flora, as the personification of spring, sits on a cloud, surrounded by three personified Months who carry foliage and flowers. Flora is crowned with a garland of flowers and weaves a second one from the blooms offered to her by the Months.

“Aestas“ – Ceres, as the personification of summer, sits on a cloud, surrounded by three personified Months who bring baskets of fruit, olive branches, and sheaves of grain. Ceres is crowned with a wreath of grain; in her hands she holds a burning torch and a sickle.

“Autumnus” – Bacchus, as the personification of autumn, sits on a cloud, surrounded by three personified Months bearing grapevines and other seasonal fruits. Bacchus is partly draped in a tiger skin and crowned with vine leaves and grapes; in his left hand he holds a cornucopia.

“Hienis” – The wind-god Aeolus sits on a cloud with a bare branch in his hand, symbolising winter. He is surrounded by three personified Months: one holds a cornucopia filled with carrots, another carries an olive branch while coughing and hiding in his cloak, and the third has his head covered with a fur cap.

Price: Euro 1.250,-