Realization: Déruet, Claude Claude de Ruet, Claude des Ruets (Nancy, 1588 - Nancy, October 20, 1660) (painter)
The Four Elements, Earth
The Four Elements, Earth
Production: 1641 - 1645
Estate: Painting
Technique(s): Canvas (oil painting)
Dimensions : H. 113.5 cm ; W. 421 cm ; D. 3 cm
Inventory no.: PE.354
Photo credit(s) :
Lauginie, François
Cartel
The Earth is part of the Four Elements series installed in the cabinet of Queen Anne of Austria at the Château de Richelieu. The set glorified the royal family, which had long been without an heir until the birth of the dauphin, the future Louis XIV (1638-1715), as well as Cardinal de Richelieu (1585-1642).
The largest painting in the cycle, La Terre depicts Anne of Austria with her sons, Prince Philippe on her lap, aboard the Earth chariot led by the Dauphin. Framed by horns of plenty and accompanied by putti, the queen becomes an allegory of fertility, evoking the ancient goddess Ceres. Behind her stands the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the birthplace of Louis XIV. In front of her are two horsemen in blue, Louis XIII (1601-1643) and his brother Gaston d'Orléans (1608-1660), and a red horseman. The latter originally represented Richelieu, but deterioration and an unsuccessful repaint explain its disappearance.
On the left, a chariot carries the neutral muses, and on the right, Renommée, blowing a trumpet, leads a chariot carrying the goddesses Juno, Minerva, Diana and Venus. In the background, two processions of chariots pay homage to the Queen: on the left, the cities of France are represented by chariots carrying a fortress; on the right, the different parts of the world are associated with animals. The heavens are occupied by the chariots of the seven theological and cardinal virtues (Hope, Faith, Charity; Justice, Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance). Claude Déruet was a court painter in Nancy. The Four Elements cycle demonstrates the artist's commitment to the tradition of late Mannerism, with its refined and precious effects, and its taste for parades and spectacular effects.
Provenance
Collection of Cardinal de Richelieu (1585-1642) at the Château de Richelieu in the Queen's study.
Collection Louis Auguste Pilté Grenet père (1764-1842).
Gift of Louis Auguste Pilté Grenet père to the museum, 1824.
School
France
Location
Museum of Fine Arts
1st floor
Room: Le château de Richelieu La grande peinture religieurse (XVIIe-XVIIIe siècle)