Cornelisz. van Haarlem, Cornelis – Pomona ontvangt de fruitoogst, 1626 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The composition presents a group of figures within a densely wooded landscape. A central female figure, presumably the recipient of the harvest, is seated on a draped cloth, her pose relaxed and contemplative. She holds a basket overflowing with fruit, offering it towards another figure who stands before her. This standing individual appears to be actively engaged in receiving the bounty, their gaze directed toward the seated woman.
Surrounding this central interaction are several other nude figures. One is partially obscured behind the central pair, reaching upwards towards branches laden with fruit. Another figure, positioned on the left side of the scene, also gathers produce from a tree, while a smaller individual, seemingly a child, stands near the receiving figure, holding another basket filled with fruit.
The artist’s use of light and shadow emphasizes the physicality of the figures, highlighting their musculature and skin tones. The background is rendered in muted greens and browns, suggesting depth and creating a sense of enclosure within the forest setting. A hazy vista can be glimpsed through the trees, hinting at an expansive landscape beyond the immediate scene.
Beyond the literal depiction of a harvest offering, the painting seems to explore themes of abundance, fertility, and perhaps even divine acceptance. The nudity of the figures could signify innocence or a connection to nature, while the act of presenting fruit might symbolize prosperity and generosity. The inclusion of a child suggests continuity and the passing down of traditions. The overall impression is one of idealized beauty and harmonious interaction within a natural setting, imbued with allegorical significance.