The Four Elements, c1625-32 (oil on canvas)

Water is personified by a figure probably representing one of the nymphs seduced by Neptune, who can be seen riding in triumph on the sea in the background. She is surrounded by all the fantastic creatures of the sea on the land and a two flying fish hover in the sky. This is a unique version of the many repeated sets of the Four Elements from the Brueghel Antwerp studio from the early 17th century. It was painted during the elder Brueghels’ life time by his son and studio assistant – probably before 1622 when he went to Italy. This set was not recorded at Kingston Lacy until 1905, probably bought by the widow of Walter Ralph Bankes, née Henrietta Fraser.