Page "Jacob Jordaens" Paragraph 24

Here we see Jordaens with his wife Catherine van Noort and his eldest child Elizabeth.

The painting has been dated around 1621 – 22 because Elizabeth appears to be about 4 years old and she was born in 1617.

Everyone in the painting is looking out at the viewer as if to invite them in to join the group.

Jardin d ' amour was an ancient tradition that Jordaens has represented in his family portrait.

We see that he has also thrown a fair amount of symbolizim into the painting to help give it meaning.

" The intertwined vines behind the couple symbolize the inseparability of husband and wife.

" Elizabeth is holding fruit in her hand which is symbolic of love and the flowers she has in her basket reflect innocence and purity.

" In the upper left there is a perched parrot which depicts marital fidelity.

Another animal located in the lower right is a dog representing faithfulness and trust.