Herfst 1746

"Herfst" (Autumn), a 1746 painting by Dutch artist Jacob de Wit, depicts three cherubic figures in a high-relief style. The central figure, adorned with a wreath of grapes, holds a bunch of fruit, while the figure to the left leans forward, seemingly reaching for the grapes. The figure to the right holds a staff topped with a pineapple, a symbol of abundance. The overall composition, framed by a sculpted niche, evokes a sense of playful exuberance and celebration of the harvest season. De Wit's mastery of chiaroscuro highlights the sculpted forms, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The piece is characteristic of De Wit's later period, where he focused on allegorical and decorative themes.