Allegory of abundance: Ceres holding a cornucopia at right and Pomona at left feeding fruit to a monkey 1647 - 1660

Editor: This is “Allegory of Abundance: Ceres holding a cornucopia at right and Pomona at left feeding fruit to a monkey,” an engraving by Theodorus van Kessel, made sometime between 1647 and 1660. There's something quite opulent, almost theatrical, about it. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's a rich tableau indeed. Notice how Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, is depicted holding the cornucopia, overflowing with nature's bounty. This horn represents abundance and nourishment, linking directly to our most primal needs and desires. What do you make of Pomona offering fruit to the monkey? Editor: I suppose it highlights abundance in a broader sense, extending even to animals, suggesting that there's enough for everyone. But why a monkey, specifically? Curator: Monkeys in art often embody earthly desires, and sometimes folly or imitation. Here, the offering to the monkey perhaps speaks to the unthinking consumption that can come with abundance. It serves as a subtle moral undercurrent, a caution against excess, set against the backdrop of what looks like an arcadian landscape. What other details stand out to you? Editor: Well, the expressions on the goddesses seem quite detached, almost like they are acting out a scene rather than experiencing genuine joy. Does that fit within the themes you’re describing? Curator: Exactly. The artist is using recognizable archetypes to explore complex ideas about the natural world, human nature, and society. This distance allows us to consider these symbols and their significance. It’s not just about a celebration of wealth, but an investigation of its implications. Editor: It’s interesting how a seemingly simple image can be layered with so much symbolic meaning. Curator: Precisely. By understanding the symbols, we uncover the cultural values and anxieties embedded in the art. Each figure, each object, serves as a key to unlocking deeper insights.