Goltzius, Hendrick – Vertumnus en Pomona, 1613 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a scene steeped in mythological allusion, centered around two figures engaged in a moment of transformative interaction. An elderly woman, draped in a voluminous yellow robe and headscarf, occupies the left side of the canvas. Her posture is one of deliberate observation; she leans forward slightly, her gaze fixed intently upon the reclining figure beside her. A gnarled staff rests on the ground near her hand, suggesting age and perhaps authority.
Beside her lies a young woman, rendered with considerable anatomical detail and exhibiting an idealized beauty. She reclines languidly upon a crimson cloth strewn with ripe fruit – apples, peaches, and grapes – a still life element that reinforces themes of abundance and fertility. The light falls across her body, highlighting the contours of her form and emphasizing the smoothness of her skin. Her expression is one of surprise or perhaps nascent understanding as she seems to register the presence of the older woman.
The background establishes a lush, verdant landscape. A dense thicket of foliage frames the scene, punctuated by laden fruit trees that mirror the bounty at the foreground. A body of water can be glimpsed through the trees, adding depth and suggesting an idyllic setting. The artist’s use of aerial perspective softens the details in the distance, creating a sense of vastness and timelessness.
The subtext of this encounter appears to revolve around metamorphosis and the cyclical nature of time. The older woman likely embodies Vertumnus, the Roman god of change and seasons, while the reclining figure represents Pomona, the goddess of fruitfulness. The scene depicts Vertumnus’s transformation from an old hag into a beautiful maiden in order to seduce Pomona. This narrative speaks to themes of disguise, desire, and the power of appearance.
The contrast between the aged woman and the youthful beauty underscores the passage of time and the potential for renewal. The fruit serves as a potent symbol of fertility and abundance, linking the two figures through their shared dominion over nature’s bounty. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, inviting contemplation on the transient nature of beauty and the transformative power of myth.