Prudence, one of the four Cardinal Virtues, carries an arrow with a serpent entwined around it. The deer she rides is a symbol of prudence because it has to move cautiously on account of the weight of its antlers. The Oriental philosophers on the left represent Order and Reason. The two-faced figure with claws is Fraud, and Ignorance carries a donkey's head. In the sky are Abundance, Grace and Well-being.
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 Prudence
Date made
early 1680s
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
99.7 x 95.2 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Inventory number
NG6634
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
