Melancholia

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In this elaborate allegory of the universal human emotion of melancholy, the paintbrushes, palette, and small sculpture in the bottom right reference the painter’s profession; and the hourglass, book, and compass represent other worldly pursuits. Domenico Fetti also included an armillary sphere and telescope in the background on the left to reflect the scientific interests of his patron Ferdinando Gonzaga’s court in Mantua. These interests are further exemplified by the large, bluish sphere in the foreground illustrating the topography of the moon as had been observed only recently by Galileo. Yet despite the achievements signified by the earthly objects whose value is fleeting, the figure of Melancholia contemplates a skull and the inevitability of death.

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