Allegory of the Seasons ² Francesco de Mura (1696-1782)

The composition presents a central female figure seated upon a mound of produce and foliage, flanked by two cherubic figures. The woman is draped in flowing robes – a combination of green and gold fabrics – and wears a wreath of leaves around her head, suggesting a connection to nature or a personification of an abstract concept. Her posture is dignified, with one hand resting on what appears to be a horn of plenty overflowing with flowers and fruit, while the other holds a sickle.
The two putti positioned on either side contribute significantly to the painting’s narrative. The figure on the left clutches a knife or small sword, its gaze directed towards the central woman. This element introduces an undercurrent of potential threat or disruption. Conversely, the cherub on the right appears more playful and benign, holding a cluster of flowers and looking directly at the viewer with an expression that could be interpreted as either innocent curiosity or knowing amusement.
The background is rendered in muted tones, primarily dark blues and browns, which serve to emphasize the brightly lit figures in the foreground. The atmospheric perspective suggests depth but obscures any specific landscape details, keeping the focus firmly on the symbolic elements within the scene. Light falls dramatically upon the central figure, highlighting her face and emphasizing the richness of her garments.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of abundance, fertility, and perhaps a cyclical process involving creation and destruction. The sickle held by the woman could symbolize harvest or even the inevitable decline that follows periods of growth. The presence of the putti – one representing potential harm, the other embodying innocence – hints at a complex interplay between opposing forces inherent in natural cycles. The horn of plenty reinforces the idea of prosperity and bounty, while the overall arrangement suggests a carefully orchestrated allegory, likely intended to convey a deeper meaning beyond a simple depiction of nature.