Artwork
Vertumnus and Pomona
Vertumnus and Pomona is a print by the Romanticist artist Jean-François Janinet. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1987.90
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Milne in memory of Leona E. Prasse
About this work
Overview
This print, titled Vertumnus and Pomona, is a work by Janinet featuring a gold leaf border, a technique innovated by his teacher Louis-Marin Bonnet.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a scene inspired by classical mythology, where Vertumnus, disguised as an old woman, approaches Pomona, a nymph who guards her orchard. The characters are represented by Venus and another figure, with Venus hiding her face behind a mask of fruit.
Technique & Style
The print is notable for its use of gold leaf borders, a technique that was innovative at the time but also illicit, as printmakers were not officially permitted to use gold leaf.
History & Provenance
Only about 20 prints with gold leaf borders were produced by Janinet and Bonnet before they were stopped by authorities due to the illegality of the technique.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
