In Roman mythology, Vertumnus (Vortumnus, Vertimnus) was the god of seasons, change and plant growth, as well as gardens and fruit trees. He could change his form at will; using this power, he tricked Pomona into marrying him by disguising himself as an old woman.
The theme of the tapestries is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses and features the gods Vertumnus, god of the changing seasons, and Pamona, the goddess of fruits and harvests.
Vertumnus, in love with Pamona, visits her garden in a series of disguises all of which fail until he appears dressed as an old woman and tells her the heartbreaking story of the tragic love affair between Iphis and Anaxarete.
Vertumnus then removes his disguise and embraces the distracted and softened Pamona.
Vertumnus, either Tuscan or Latian, is mostly remembered for his shape-shifting power and his seduction of Pomona.
This is why Vertumnus, the god of the turning year, came to the orchard of Pomona: to woo her who bring all fruits to completion.
He also came as a soldier with a sword and as a fisherman with a rod; and by means of his many disguises, Vertumnus did succeed in obtaining admission to Pomona's orchard—having much joy when looking on her beauty—, but he was unable to curb the nymph's shyness.
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