De zeven planeetgoden

A colossal statue of Saturn stands on a stone plinth, clutching a child to his mouth while a scythe rests at his feet. In the foreground and middle distance, peasants are busy with the wheat harvest, reaping stalks and winnowing grain under the god's watchful eye. The sky features the astronomical symbol for Saturn flanked by circular medallions containing the zodiac signs of Capricorn and Aquarius.

This work belongs to a series on the seven planetary gods, illustrating the Renaissance concept of 'planetary children'—the belief that each planet governs specific human temperaments, professions, and social cycles. Saturn is presented here in his dual capacity as Chronos (Time), the consumer of all things, and as the patron of agriculture who oversaw the legendary Golden Age of abundance.