Allegory of the Four Seasons - Spring

Jacob de Wit, a leading representative of Dutch ceiling painting was responsible for a seasonal cycle commissioned by Landgrave Wilhelm VIII for the great galleried hall at Schloss Wilhelmsh�he. This cycle is characteristic of De Wit’s works in grisaille, generally allegorical representations of putti, which were popular and internationally sought-after decorations. With their graduated greys, these works - sometimes called ‘witjes’, in a pun on the name Wit, meaning white - imitate stone bas-relief. The theoretical architectural function of the works is clearly expressed in their organisation as niches with a stele in each.

The divinity appropriate to each of the seasons is represented by a bust on a plinth, while a small crowd of putti make merry play with the god’s attributes. Spring is represented by Flora, her beautiful, symmetrical face is set among graceful garlands of flowers.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 9 minutes):

Joseph Haydn: The Seasons, Part 1 Spring, excerpts