This painting's subject matter portrays a curiosity of the age, namely a kunstkammern or wunderkammern, or rooms filled with art or curiosities. These works are uniquely suited for allegory, showing objects that represent themes or values, like scientific discovery or wonder and travel. This work was done under the supervision of the famed Jan Brueghel the Elder, son of the even more famous Pieter Brueghel the Elder, near the end of his life.