Andrew Benjamin Lens
Lady as Pomona
The works of Andrew Benjamin Lens show considerale affinity with those of his father, Benjamin Lens the Younger. 1 The rendition of a lady as Pomona was a popular allegorisation in the 18th century, dating from a story in Ovid's Metamorphoses. 2 Pomona, goddess of fruits and gardens, was so fulfilled with the care of her garden, that she remained inaccessable to her numerous suitors. No one but Vertumnus succeeded in conquering her, by approaching her in the guise of an old woman eulogizing Vertumnus' excellence so extensively, that her praise inflamed Pomona's love for him. Miniaturists gladly used the then familiar story to emphasise the model's beauty combined with virtuous steadfastness. The lady's self confident and yet deliberating attitude confirms that she is not easily won. Her conspicuous earring with its pearl being a symbol of virginiy or chastity alludes to this fact, as well. 3 In her arm she carries -as a deliberate contrast - a cornucopia loaded with fruits and flowers, allegorising fertility, wealth and abundance.
J.S.O.
1 Cf. 010.412
2 Compare, for example, the representation of this topic by Anton von Dyck (Galleria di Palazzo Bianco in Genoa) or by Nicolas de Largillière (Art Gallery Alte Meister, Dresden). In the Tansey Collection cf. Otten, Pappe, Schmiegllitz-Otten, 2000, cat.-nos. 83 and 88.
3 We are sincerely grateful to Kathrin Umbach, Kassel, for her information.
