Group of Three Children: Allegory of Summer 1726

Jan Baptist Xavery sculpted this terracotta group of children, an allegory of summer, in the early 18th century. The sheaf of wheat, clutched by one of the figures, is an ancient symbol of summer’s abundance and the harvest to come. This motif, linking seasonal fertility with human prosperity, stretches back to antiquity. Consider Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest, often depicted with wheat, a symbol echoed in countless Roman agricultural reliefs. Yet, Xavery's interpretation diverges. These are not solemn deities, but playful children, embodiments of summer’s carefree spirit. The child clutching his chest seems to be experiencing pain or discomfort. This gesture elicits a subconscious response, a reflection of our shared human capacity for empathy. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, of seasons, and emotions. The image as a whole carries the weight of cultural memory, resurfacing in new forms, each time tinged with the sensibilities of its age.