Allegory of Summer
In this elaborate allegory, one of a set of four representing the seasons, the winged figure on the ground at lower right symbolizes the soul unable to escape the bondage of time and the effects of the elements on humanity. The scorching summer has dried up the rivers, though Juno, in the air above the hero, is squeezing rain from the clouds, providing hope of relief. Apollo, framed by the sun at the high point of the heavens, also provides help: he is drawing an arrow in order to shoot down the drought-borne pestilence on the earth.
Artwork Details
- Title: Allegory of Summer
- Artist: Pietro Testa (Italian, Lucca 1612–1650 Rome)
- Date: ca. 1642–44
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Sheet: 19 1/8 × 27 9/16 in. (48.5 × 70 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
- Object Number: 49.95.2323
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Pietro Testa
Vicenzo Billi
1648
Pietro Testa
ca. 1648–50
Pietro Testa
ca 1650–60
Pietro Testa
Arnold van Westerhout
ca. 1645
Pietro Testa
ca. 1640–42
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.