The Triumph of Chastity: Love Disarmed and Bound

This is one of a series of edifying historical, legendary and allegorical subjects painted in a room in the Petrucci palace in Siena in about 1509. Two others - 'Penelope with the Suitors' by Pintoricchio and 'Coriolanus persuaded by his Family to spare Rome' also by Signorelli - are in the National Gallery.

The subject of this work is taken from the 'Trionfi' (Triumphs) by Petrarch. The god of love is shown bound by Laura, the ideal chaste woman of Petrarch's poetry. She is assisted by Lucretia and Penelope, chaste heroines of antiquity. The Roman heroes Caesar and Scipio Africanus look on. In the distance, Chastity exhibits her prisoner in her triumphal car.

The banner of the ladies is a pure white ermine on a green background.