The Allegory of WaterJan Brueghel the Elder

This oil on copper (1614) assembles marine fauna, shells, waterfowl, and a river mouth beneath a rainbow. A sea pair pour water from giant shells, with putti (winged youths) attending—an allegory of the element. Painted for Cardinal Federico Borromeo, the copper support enables exceptionally fine detailing typical of Flemish cabinet pictures.