French School, 17th century
Allegories of the Four Elements
(4) Oil on oval copper, 10.5 x 13 cm
With frame, 36 x 46 cm
The four framed ovals under examination are a refined example of painting on copper, a support favored by artists seeking particular brilliance and extreme detail.
This work is a pictorial cycle that interprets the Allegory of the Four Elements (water, air, earth, and fire) in a highly original way, by drawing on classical mythology and the decorative taste of the period, likely between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Indeed, they fit perfectly into that bourgeois taste which preferred mythological and allegorical subjects treated with grace, sensuality, and vibrant colors, often intended to decorate noble residences or private studies.
Each roundel depicts a mythological episode or a deity that traditionally symbolizes one of the four elements, following an established iconographic scheme in European art.
In the upper left, we find the episode of the Rape of Europa, symbolizing Water: Jupiter, enamored with the Phoenician princess Europa, depicted here semi-nude, covered by a light, fluttering drapery and with her hair unbound, decided to transform himself into a beautiful white bull, abducting her and carrying her away across the sea.
In the upper right, on the other hand, we find Air, personified by Nymphs or Hours, where a maiden wrapped in light drapery is lifted and transported into the sky by a group of winged putti (often associated with Zephyrs), symbolizing the air's own intangibility and transcendence.
Moving down, to the left, we encounter Earth: a female figure, most likely Ceres (goddess of agriculture) or Flora (goddess of spring), sits on fertile ground adorned with greenery, also in this case with yellow drapery and a pink fluttering sash, accompanied by some putti intent on offering her gifts and garlands. Earth is represented here through abundance (rich drapery, garlands) and lush vegetation, while the putto in the foreground symbolizes life being born and thriving from the terrestrial element.
Finally, in the last roundel at the bottom right, we see Fire, the element whose personification is more ambiguous: the figure could, in fact, allude to a fire-related deity such as Vesta or, given the setting and expression, to a myth of divine punishment or creation, such as Vulcan's forge or Prometheus (though both are male figures). The woman, in this case, is draped in red, and her gesture is dramatic, directed towards the sky; a distinctive detail is the presence of flames or sparks at her feet.
Among those who engaged in this allegorical pictorial cycle is Francesco Albani, with his Four Elements housed at the Galleria Sabauda in Turin.
With Ars Antiqua, it is possible to pay for all amounts up to a maximum of €7,500 at ZERO INTEREST, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS.
Example Total €4,500 = Monthly Installment €300 for 15 months.
Example Total €3,600 = Monthly Installment €720 for 5 months.
For amounts exceeding €7,500 or for longer payment terms (beyond 15 installments), we can provide personalized payment options.
Contact us directly for the best quote.
LIVE TV
– SUNDAY 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Digital terrestrial 126 - Sky 824
– Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social media Facebook and YouTube
All works offered by Ars Antiqua are sold with a legal certificate of authenticity and a detailed descriptive sheet.
It is possible to view the works directly at the gallery showroom in Milan, via Pisacane 55 and 57.
We personally organize transport and delivery of works, both within Italy and abroad.
