Wisdom and Strength (after Veronese)
after Paolo Veronese (Verona 1528 -Venice 1588)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1600 - 1699
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
2785 x 1930 x 80 mm
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Stourhead, Wiltshire
NT 732313
Caption
This female representation of Wisdom, in defence of the virtues and peace, is seen here as a divine woman, who has discarded her jewellery and armour, which alludes to her mythological personification, the goddess, Minerva. The radiant disc on her head and the globe on which she rests right her foot also allude to Truth. Strength - wrapped in a wolf-skin, alluding to Mars, father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome reared by a she-wolf, and the god of war defeated by Minerva - cowers behind. The allegorical pair is accompanied by a cupid who looks apprehensively up towards the unsteady man. The original painting by the Venetian artist of monumental works, of around 1580, was once owned, with four others of virtuous and amorous themes, by Emperor Rudolph II and, subsequently, duc d’Orléans and the Duke of Bridgewater. It is now in the Frick Collection, New York.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Wisdom and Strength, after Paolo Veronese (Verona 1528 -Venice 1588), 17th century. A copy after the original painting, circa 1580, once owned by Emperor Rudolph II and now in the Frick collection, New York. The monumental female figure, standing in the centre and gazing heavenwards represents divine Wisdom whilst the physical man behind to her, wrapped in wolf-skin and looking downwards, on the right, represents worldly Strength. They are seen against a backdrop of two large classical pillars and a landscape beyond, on the left. A sumptuous canopy hangs above them. At their feet is a cupid, clasping a crown and lying on red velevet drapery. Under the female's right foot is an orb and more jewellery is strewn around on the floor.
Provenance
Acquired by Henry II Hoare (1705-85) and thence by descent; given to the National Trust along with the house, its grounds, and the rest of contents by Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare, 6th Bt (1865 – 1947) in 1946.
Credit line
Stourhead, The Hoare Collection (The National Trust)
Makers and roles
after Paolo Veronese (Verona 1528 -Venice 1588), artist
References
Walpole 1927-28 Paget Toynbee (ed.), 'Horace Walpole's Journals of Visits to Country Seats, etc.', 1760-62, Walpole Society XVI, 1927 -28 pp. 9-80, p.42