Justice, one of the four Cardinal Virtues, is shown seated on an ostrich and carrying the scales and sword which are her attributes. To the right are Punishment and Recompense, and on the left is the masked and serpent-tailed figure of Deceit. Discord and Strife flee to the right while the flying figures above represent the effects of justice: Order, Fame and Security.
This painting is one of a group of 10 modelli, or elaborated oil studies, made in preparation for the fresco projects that Giordano created for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. This painting is connected with the ceiling of the Galleria.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1634 - 1705
Full title
Allegory of Justice
Date made
early 1680s
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
99.9 × 96 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Inventory number
NG6633
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Minerva as Protectress of the Arts and Sciences
from
Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Painting
Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine
from
Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
