Seasons and Elements (Air) (set of four) 1678 - 1688

This tapestry, "Seasons and Elements (Air)" by Charles Le Brun, showcases the symbolic language of its time through an allegorical figure riding the skies. We see Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind, soaring amidst clouds, framed by a decorative border teeming with symbolic motifs. Note the sun with a human face at the top of the scene. We see this motif throughout history, representing not only light and warmth but also divine knowledge and power. In ancient Egyptian art, the sun god Ra was depicted similarly, his journey across the sky mirroring the cyclical nature of life itself. This anthropomorphic sun then evolves through different cultures and religions, each time carrying with it the weight of history, yet adapting to new cultural needs. The enduring appeal of such imagery lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of awe, wonder, and a connection to forces beyond our comprehension. Like the winds themselves, these symbols shift and change, constantly influencing our understanding of the world.