Flora 1673

Pieter Xaveri made this terracotta sculpture, Flora, sometime between 1647 and 1673. It presents a young woman holding a wreath of flowers, with a lamb at her feet, embodying pastoral innocence and beauty. Made in the Netherlands during its Golden Age, the sculpture reflects the era's fascination with allegorical figures and idyllic scenes. The Dutch Republic was forging a new national identity. Classical allegories such as Flora, Roman goddess of flowers, and pastoral imagery gained popularity, embodying civic pride, prosperity and a connection to the land. Terracotta was a common material, allowing for more affordable artworks that could reach a wider audience. The sculpture's relatively small scale suggests it was intended for a private collection, reflecting the rising merchant class's investment in art. To truly understand this work, we can delve into the social and economic context of the Dutch Golden Age, examining archival records, contemporary literature, and studies of artistic patronage. By understanding the conditions in which it was made, we can better appreciate its meaning.