Ceres 1564

"Ceres" is an engraving by Cornelis Cort from 1564, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts the Roman goddess Ceres, a prominent figure in agriculture and fertility, holding a sickle, a symbol of her role in harvesting. The goddess is depicted surrounded by wheat stalks, reinforcing the theme of abundance and nourishment. The detailed engraving highlights the importance of agriculture in 16th century society, a subject that resonated with audiences then and continues to hold relevance today.