#cornucupia

The artwork depicts an allegorical representation of the peaceful reign of King Charles XI of Sweden. A central female figure, likely representing Sweden or Peace, sits enthroned, adorned in regal attire. She is surrounded by other figures, some appearing to represent virtues or aspects of the kingdom. There are putti (cherubic figures), a lion, and various symbolic objects such as a cornucopia and military trophies. The background includes classical architecture, suggesting a setting of power and stability. The overall style is Baroque, characterized by dramatic lighting, rich colors, and a sense of movement and grandeur. The painting is framed in a gilded frame with a decorative crest at the top.

The picture reflects her preference for allegorical or symbolic figure subjects. The figures of women in rags in a barren landscape, all in sombre tones, suggest desolation and grief. They see a vision, bathed in golden light, of an idealized but obviously Italian city and figures playing music, laden with flowers, carrying a cornucopia etc., symbolizing joy and plenty. The picture has all the characteristics of De Morgan's work.

Thanks to Sir Richard Wallace, who acquired the painting in 1872, our Allegory of Fruitfulness is a very rare example of a mythological painting by Jordaens in a British collection. The artist painted the subject twice: another version is in Brussels, at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The main difference between the compositions is that the cornucopia-bearing woman is seen from the front in our painting, and from the back in the Brussels picture. A major conservation project recently revealed that Jordaens originally painted her with her back turned in the same way as in the Brussels painting, and then repainted her to show her in her present position.

Allegory of the triumphal procession of the Prince of Orange, later King William II, as the hero of Waterloo, 1815. The prince stands on a chariot drawn by four white horses and is crowned by Peace. The chariot enters a city through a triumphal arch or triumphal arch. In the sky, fame and angels with a cornucopia and the prince's coat of arms. Along the side, grateful citizens and soldiers with banners and standards.

-Marvel