Garland of Fruit surrounding a Depiction of Cybele Receiving Gifts from Personifications of the Four Seasons

The medallion in the centre depicts Cybele, the goddess of Earth and Nature. Around the medallion hangs a garland of flowers, vegetables and fruit – a tribute to the goddess and an ode to plenty and fertility.

Brueghel collaborated on this painting with Van Balen, who was responsible for painting the medallion. Brueghel himself painted the abundant garland, the surrounding figures and the numerous animals. He painted with such a fine touch that he was called the Velvet Brueghel.