Jan Boeckhorst (1605-1668) – Pomona Kunsthistorisches Museum

The composition presents a female figure in profile, her gaze directed towards something beyond the viewers perspective. She is draped in flowing golden fabric that clings to her form, revealing a portion of her back and shoulder. The artist has rendered the skin with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle variations in tone and texture that suggest both softness and strength. A decorative band adorns her upper arm, hinting at status or perhaps a symbolic connection to nature.
Behind the woman, an abundant cornucopia overflows with fruits and vegetables. The arrangement is dense and vibrant, showcasing a rich palette of colors – deep reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and purples – that contrast with the figure’s skin tones and golden drapery. The produce appears both realistically rendered and slightly idealized, contributing to an overall sense of abundance and fertility. A cluster of wheat or similar grain stalks rises behind the cornucopia, further emphasizing themes of harvest and prosperity.
The womans hair is dark, interwoven with red flowers that echo the colors within the overflowing horn. The lighting in the painting is dramatic; a strong light source illuminates her face and shoulder, casting shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure and create a sense of depth.
Subtly, there’s an air of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the womans expression. While she appears poised and elegant, her gaze suggests a certain distance, as if contemplating something beyond the immediate scene. The cornucopia, typically associated with abundance and good fortune, might be interpreted not merely as a symbol of plenty but also as a reminder of its fleeting nature or the burden of responsibility that accompanies such bounty. The overall effect is one of restrained beauty and quiet contemplation, hinting at deeper symbolic meanings related to fertility, prosperity, and perhaps even the passage of time.