Who painted Allegory of fertility?

Allegory of fertility was painted by Jacob Jordaens in 1617.

Where can I see Allegory of fertility?

Allegory of fertility is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Allegory of fertility?

Allegory of fertility is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Allegory of fertility

Jacob Jordaens , 1617

Allegory of fertility is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Jacob Jordaens’ *Allegory of Fertility* (1617) is a large-scale oil painting that belongs to the Flemish Baroque tradition. Executed while Jordaens was establishing himself as the foremost painter in Antwerp after the deaths of Rubens and van Dyck, the work exemplifies his prolific output of allegorical subjects. It is currently part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection in Munich.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a densely packed group of nude figures intertwined in a tumultuous composition. Some reach upward, others slump or clutch objects such as fruit, while a central figure rests a skull on his lap and another bears a floral wreath. The juxtaposition of life‑affirming symbols with a reminder of mortality suggests a meditation on the cyclical nature of fertility and death.

Technique & Style

Jordaens employs the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of Baroque painting, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the bodies and create depth within the crowded scene. Warm hues of gold, brown and red dominate the foreground, while cooler blues appear in the sky, enhancing the sense of movement and tension among the figures.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1617, the work was likely commissioned for a private collector interested in allegorical themes popular in early‑17th‑century Flanders. After passing through several European collections, it entered the Alte Pinakothek in the 19th century, where it has remained on public display.

Context

The painting reflects the broader Flemish Baroque fascination with allegory as a vehicle for moral and philosophical ideas. Jordaens, a contemporary of Rubens, often used mythological and symbolic motifs to explore human conditions, and this piece aligns with his interest in portraying abundance, sensuality, and the inevitable presence of death.