April, after Francesco del Cossa 1899 - 1900

Curator: George Hawley Hallowell created this small painting titled "April, after Francesco del Cossa." Editor: It feels like a memory, hazy and dreamlike, figures emerging from a muted background. Curator: Hallowell is referencing Cossa's fresco cycle from the Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara. The original was part of a larger allegorical calendar. Editor: The swan is hard to miss. In Renaissance symbolism, it represented purity and poetry, often linked to Apollo. It's a stark contrast to the hounds above. Curator: Yes, the dogs represent faithfulness. This artwork shows how the Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and virtues permeated society. Editor: It seems Hallowell is not just copying, but reinterpreting. The soft focus and muted colors create a sense of nostalgia. Curator: Absolutely. It highlights how historical art can continue to inspire and evolve, even centuries later. Editor: Makes you think how much we project onto historical images.