Allegorical Female Figure Holding a Branch and a Dish 1556 - 1641

Lazzaro Tavarone rendered this Allegorical Female Figure Holding a Branch and a Dish in pen and brown ink with gray wash. The figure carries a dish laden with fruit, a symbol deeply rooted in the classical motif of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. This emblem of fertility is reminiscent of Demeter in Greek lore, embodying the life-giving power of nature. The dish, overflowing with potential, echoes through time to the cornucopia, which is a symbol of overflowing nourishment that recurs in various guises from ancient mosaics to Renaissance paintings. Consider how the act of offering, seen here in the figure's gesture, evokes feelings of generosity. This primal act stirs collective memories of harvest festivals and communal feasts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The motif continues to evolve, appearing in modern contexts from commercial branding to national symbols, highlighting its enduring psychological resonance. It is a cyclical progression, where the past continually informs the present.