Flora and Zephyr c. 1746

Curator: Right now, we’re standing in front of Jacob de Wit’s “Flora and Zephyr,” a watercolor and ink drawing from around 1746, housed right here in the Städel Museum. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is just how airy it feels. All those swirling clouds, pastel colors, and cherubic figures… it’s like a Baroque dream sequence. Curator: De Wit specialized in these kinds of allegorical scenes, often intended as ceiling decorations. He was really admired for his trompe-l'oeil effects, making painted figures look as if they were floating above the viewer. It really exemplifies the Baroque ideals of drama and illusion. Editor: Ah, that makes sense! I was wondering about the perspective. Knowing it was intended for a ceiling really clarifies things. You know, Zephyr’s pose is interesting, this reaching out feels more complex. He appears more as the representation of the wind, powerful even with his soft form. Curator: It’s fascinating to think about how these images functioned within a larger social and cultural context. Patrons commissioning these works sought to align themselves with the classical ideals of beauty, love, and prosperity these figures represent. The image thus became part of a strategy of self-promotion and the consolidation of social power. Editor: Hmm, you can read it that way, sure, and that might even be partially true! But the beauty here! It’s hard to ignore the artist's pure skill in conveying motion. It transcends political power play! It feels as fresh as the day it was painted, as alive. The fluidity, softness, and sheer joy...it’s like capturing a moment of pure bliss. Like sunshine after rain, no? Curator: Maybe that’s why the Baroque aesthetic eventually fell out of favor. This overwhelming extravagance becomes heavy. Editor: I can see that perspective. It is like a decadent sugar rush, isn’t it? A brief but very vivid sweetness. It’s an excellent and very welcome little piece! Curator: Absolutely. There's so much going on in it, it requires more consideration to even summarize it, doesn't it?