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Allegory of the Element Earth, c1580. Creator: Leandro Bassano
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Allegory of the Element Earth, c1580. Creator: Leandro Bassano
Allegory of the Element Earth, c1580. In the 16th century, the world was believed to consist of four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Here, Earth (associated with the season of autumn) is symbolized by the abundance of nature's produce and by the small figure of Cybele, the ancient mother-goddess of earth and fertility, who rides across the sky in a chariot pulled by two lions
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1580s Abundance Apple Tree Autumn Cavalier Leandro Bassano Cybele Dark Darkness Earth Father Fatherhood Fruit Tree Harvest Harvesting Kybele Ladder Leandro Bassano Leonardo Bassan Magna Mater Malus Domestica Malus Pumila Mammal Mannerism Mannerist Material Monkey Monkies Parent Plenty Primate Sibling Sister Table Cloth Tablecloth Vegetable Vegetables Walters Art Museum Bounty
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Leandro Bassano's Allegory of the Element Earth, painted around 1580, captures the bountiful harvest of the autumn season, symbolizing the abundant and fertile Earth element. The painting embodies the spirit of the 16th century belief in the four fundamental elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. At the center of the composition, Earth is depicted as a cornucopia of nature's produce, with an apple tree and a fruit tree laden with ripe fruits. The abundance is further emphasized by the presence of a boy and two girls, picking apples and admiring the harvest. In the background, a cavalier and his dog observe the scene, adding a sense of leisure and enjoyment. The allegorical figure of Cybele, the ancient mother-goddess of earth and fertility, rides across the sky in a chariot pulled by two lions. Cybele, also known as the Magna Mater or Great Mother, is a symbol of nurturing and protection, emphasizing the role of the Earth in providing for life. The painting is a testament to the rich heritage of Italian art during the Renaissance period. The use of oil on canvas and the meticulous attention to detail in the fabric, furniture, and animal textures are characteristic of the Mannerist style, popular during the late 16th century. The Allegory of the Element Earth by Leandro Bassano is a captivating representation of the harvest season, the abundance of nature, and the enduring symbolism of the Earth element.
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