Allegory of Fortitude

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This modello, or detailed oil study, is one of a group of 12 that Giordano made in preparation for the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in 1682–85. Ten of the modelli are in the National Gallery’s collection, and this one represents one of the four Cardinal Virtues. First identified by the philosopher Plato, the Virtues were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church. A different Virtue is depicted in each corner of the ceiling. Fortitude is depicted just left of centre with two of her emblems: a lion and a fallen column. She is being crowned by Honour and, with Constancy standing to the left, she triumphs over the cowering figure of Fear, wearing a deer skin, and Misery, reclining lower right. On the right stands Valour; Victory sits on a globe above him, holding a standard and a pomegranate.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Allegory of Fortitude

Date

early 1680s

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 95 x W 99.2 cm

Accession number

NG6632

Acquisition method

Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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