Prospero Fontana, attr. (Bologna, 1512-1597)
Emblem of the Accademia dei Gelati, 1588 ca.
Oil on canvas; inv. P 81
provenance: unknown
An Impresa or emblem is an image composed of a figure and a motto that
identifies an institution.
The Accademia dei Gelati was founded in Bologna by Melchiorre Zoppio in
1588 and was located in his house in Strada Maggiore.
Around the shield upon which the frozen trees are painted, four figures
represent the seasons.
At the top there is Spring, crowned with flowers, and Summer holding
wheat in her hand.
At the bottom is Fall, with bunches of grapes, and old Winter.
The motto NEC LONGUM TEMPUS refers to the passage of time towards a
better season.
Note the attention and precision with which Fontana depicts the various
types of vegetables, which identify the allegories of the four Seasons.
