Vertumnus zu einem alten Weib

Title

Vertumnus zu einem alten Weib

Period

1550-1600;

Geographic

Latium

Italy

Description

This engraving illustrates the nymph Pomona engaging in a conversation with what seems to be an elderly woman. The elderly woman is in fact the god Vertumnus in disguise. Pomona is a nymph who has a passion for gardening. Ovid explains that she allows no men to enter her garden, which is why Vertumnus disguises himself as an old woman. Taken by her beauty, Vertumnus does whatever it takes to spend time with Pomona, even putting on disguises. The disguised old woman is depicted pointing at an elm tree while Pomona sits and listens. Pomona is depicted holding a curved pruning knife in her left hand which is what she uses to maintain her garden.

Image Creator

Virgil Solis (Engraver)

Type

Text

Woodcut Engraving

Identifier

mta:23341

Language

ger

Source Name

P. Ouidij Nasonis, deß Sinnreichen und hochverstendigen Poeten, Metamorphoses oder Verwandlung, mit schönen figuren gezieret, auch kurzen Argumenten und außlegungen erkläret, und in Teutsche Reymen gebracht, durch Johann Spreng von Augspurg [Publius Ovidius Naso, the Ingenious and Highly Understandable Poet, Metamorphoses or Transformations, Adorned with Beautiful Images, and also descriptions of Short Arguments and Explanations, Brought into German Rhymes by Johann Spreng of Augsburg]

Parent Collection

1564 Frankfurt Spreng

Image

mta_23341_OBJ.jpg

Collection

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Subject

Pomona

Nymphs

Vertumnus

Transformation

Gods

Goddesses

Roman Mythology

Greek Mythology