Sara Pottey (1651-1705), Wife of Johan van Bochoven 1670 - 1690

Daniël Haringh painted this oil on canvas portrait of Sara Pottey, wife of Johan van Bochoven, in the Dutch Golden Age. Note how Sara’s gesture directs our gaze toward the fruit: grapes, peaches, and leaves fill her hands and the lower right of the scene. This abundance isn't merely decorative. The symbolism of fruit in art traces back to antiquity, often linked to fertility, prosperity, and the bounties of nature, reminiscent of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. This motif appears across time, from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings. In each iteration, the fruit carries layered meanings, reflecting cultural values and subconscious desires related to nourishment, sexuality, and mortality. The fruit is not a static emblem but a dynamic symbol, shifting in nuance and implication across centuries, engaging viewers with potent, primal associations.