“Ceres (Summer)” is an artwork created by Antoine Watteau in 1712. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece falls within the Rococo art movement and is categorized under allegorical painting. The artwork depicts an allegorical figure of Ceres, often associated with summer and agriculture, rendered with the characteristic lightness and elegance of the Rococo style.
The artwork presents a serene and graceful depiction of Ceres, who is traditionally known as the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility, and motherly relationships. She is seated against a backdrop of soft, billowing clouds and golden wheat, symbolizing abundance and the harvest season. Ceres is draped in flowing white and pink garments, adding to her divine and ethereal presence. Her head is adorned with a wreath of flowers, encapsulating the themes of growth and fertility. To her side, cherubic figures engage in playful activities, one of whom offers her a sickle, an emblem of reaping and harvest. The gentle, warm hues and delicate brushwork are characteristic of the Rococo style, emphasizing the idyllic and harmonious nature of the scene.
