The symbolism of the attributes on this façade is not entirely clear, but as R.A. d'Hulst notes they may refer to 'the animal forces of nature, love and fertility' (loc. cit.). D'Hulst further suggests that the drawing can be dated to circa 1640-45, and so may have been intended as a design for decoration in Jordaens' own house which was substantially complete in 1641. Another drawing for an allegorical façade using the same architectural elements was in the same Swiss collection as the present drawing (R.A. d'Hulst, op. cit., no. A176).