In classical mythology, the Golden Age was the first and most idyllic of the four ages of the world, followed by those of Silver, Bronze and Iron. At the top of this panel, the Four Seasons flank the symbol of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Below a multitude of figures enjoy the benefits of this bountiful and harmonious era. The composition follows a drawing by Giorgio Vasari now in the Louvre, which in turn illustrates a programme written by Vincenzo Borghini. The picture was commissioned from Poppi, who was one of Vasari’s most talented pupils, by the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici himself. Medici rule was said to have brought a second Golden Age to Florence.