Vertumnus and Pomona 1520

Jacopo Pontormo painted this fresco of Vertumnus and Pomona in the early 1620s using Mannerist techniques. Look at Vertumnus transforming himself to seduce Pomona, goddess of orchards and gardens. This theme of metamorphosis, prominent in Ovid's 'Metamorphoses', is central to understanding the psychological undercurrents here. The tale speaks to the human subconscious desire for change. Consider the enduring presence of the putti, or cherubs, adorning the scene. These figures, stemming from classical antiquity where they represented Eros or Cupid, have reappeared throughout art history. They evolved into Christian symbols of divine love, and they create a link between pagan and Christian sensibilities. The meandering vines remind us of the interconnectedness of life, and the cyclical patterns of nature. These aren't just pretty decorations; they're symbols deeply embedded in our cultural memory. The image takes on a life of its own, transforming with each viewing and each retelling.