Vertumnus en Pomona 1660 - 1760

This is an anonymous engraving of Vertumnus and Pomona. Vertumnus, god of seasons and gardens, is depicted here disguised as an old woman, a symbol of cunning and transformation, to woo the nymph Pomona. The narrative of Vertumnus's disguise is not unique; it echoes motifs found across cultures, like the tales of shape-shifting deities in ancient mythologies, or the folk legends of trickster figures, each employing disguise as a means to an end. These recurring themes suggest a collective fascination with transformation. Pomona’s downcast expression and bashful hand gesture evoke a sense of deep contemplation, capturing a complex emotional state. Her vulnerability contrasts with Vertumnus's shrewd gaze, which subtly hints at his deceptive intentions. This complex emotional interplay engages viewers on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of empathy, curiosity, and, perhaps, a hint of discomfort. The tale of Vertumnus and Pomona endures, reappearing in various guises, each time reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of the era in which it is re-imagined.