Allegory of Temperance

Allegory of Temperance

early 1680s, Luca Giordano
This painting is part of the group: Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Explore the paintings
Central Hall

Temperance, one of the four Cardinal Virtues, holds a bridle and a clock and stands beside an elephant. Sobriety holds a key and rests her foot on a dolphin. Meekness (?) receives flowers. The figures at the bottom of the composition represent Sloth, Envy and Hunger. In the sky above are Voluptuousness, Youth and Tranquillity.

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
Luca Giordano
Artist dates
1634 - 1705
Full title
Allegory of Temperance
Group
Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Date made
early 1680s
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
97 x 101.3 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Inventory number
NG6635
Location in Gallery
Central Hall

Other paintings in the group: Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Painting
Mythological Scene of Agriculture from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Mythological Scene of Agriculture'
Painting
Allegory of Divine Wisdom from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Allegory of Divine Wisdom'
Painting
Allegory of Fortitude from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Allegory of Fortitude'
Painting
Allegory of Justice from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Allegory of Justice'
Painting
Allegory of Prudence from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Allegory of Prudence'
Painting
Apotheosis of the Medici from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Apotheosis of the Medici'
Painting
The Cave of Eternity from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'The Cave of Eternity'
Painting
Minerva as Protectress of the Arts and Sciences from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Minerva as Protectress of the Arts and Sciences'
Painting
Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Luca Giordano
early 1680s
Luca Giordano: 'Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine'

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