
Pomona, Nicolas Fouché, c. 1700.
In
Roman mythology, 'Pomona' was the goddess of fruit trees, gardens and orchards. She scorned the love of
Silvanus and
Picus but married
Vertumnus after he tricked her, disguised as an old woman. Her high priest was called the ''
flamen Pomonalis''. The
pruning knife was her attribute. She is a uniquely Roman goddess, and was particularly associated with the blossoming of trees versus the harvest.
Pomona is usually associated with abundance. In
19th century statues and building decorations she is usually shown carrying either a large platter of fruit or a
cornucopia.
A nude statue of her is in the fountain in the little park before the
Plaza Hotel in New York City.