Artwork
Autumn
Autumn is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacob de Wit. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1740, *Autumn* is an oil painting by Dutch artist Jacob de Wit. The work exemplifies the Rococo aesthetic and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. It presents a small group of cherubic figures arranged in a shallow interior space, inviting the viewer to contemplate the seasonal allegory through their gestures and accessories.
Subject & Meaning
The figure at the right recedes behind the others, adding depth and reinforcing the theme of layered natural cycles.
The composition centers on three putti, each displaying a different expression and pose. The left-hand figure clutches a staff topped with a pinecone, a traditional emblem of autumnal bounty, while the central cherub reaches toward the staff, suggesting interaction with the season’s symbols. The figure at the right recedes behind the others, adding depth and reinforcing the theme of layered natural cycles.
Technique & Style
De Wit employs oil paint to achieve a luminous palette, rendering the flesh tones and drapery with subtle gradations of light. The cherubs are rendered with a naturalistic attention to anatomy and facial detail, characteristic of the artist’s allegorical works. Soft, flowing brushwork and delicate coloration align the piece with the decorative elegance typical of Rococo painting.
History & Provenance
Jacob de Wit, known for both religious commissions and decorative interiors, produced *Autumn* during the height of his career. The painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains on display as a representative example of Dutch Rococo allegory and the artist’s skill in integrating mythological motifs into interior decoration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob de Wit (19 December 1695 – 12 November 1754) was a Dutch painter and interior decorator. He is best known for his depictions of religious scenes.
