Who painted Statue of Ceres?

Statue of Ceres was painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1615.

Where can I see Statue of Ceres?

Statue of Ceres is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Statue of Ceres?

Statue of Ceres is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Statue of Ceres?

Museum-quality prints of Statue of Ceres are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Statue of Ceres

Peter Paul Rubens , 1615

Statue of Ceres is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

This painting shows small cherubs offering flowers to a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess tied to harvest and growth. Peter Paul Rubens made it around 1615 using oil paint on oak. The bright colors and soft light make the scene feel alive.

It hangs in the State Hermitage Museum today. The little putti add charm and movement to the quiet statue.

Look up Peter Paul Rubens next.

Overview

Created around 1615, this oil painting on oak panel depicts a group of cherubic figures presenting garlands to a standing statue of the Roman goddess Ceres. The composition balances the lively activity of the putti with the serene presence of the deity, creating a harmonious scene that highlights themes of fertility and abundance.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a representation of Ceres, the ancient Roman goddess associated with agriculture, grain, and the cycles of growth. The surrounding putti, small winged children, are shown offering floral garlands, a symbolic gesture that underscores the goddess’s role as a benefactor of harvest and the nurturing aspects of nature.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on a wooden oak support, the work demonstrates Rubens’s characteristic use of vibrant coloration and fluid brushwork. The light falls softly across the figures, enhancing the three‑dimensionality of the statue and the delicate forms of the cherubs, while the rich palette contributes to the overall sense of vitality.

History & Provenance

The painting was first recorded in a 1760 sale in The Hague, where it fetched 1,210 guilders. Eight years later it entered the collection of Carl de Coben in Brussels and was subsequently acquired for the Imperial Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where it remains on display.