How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
This female representation of Wisdom 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 allude to truth. Strength is wrapped in a wolf skin, this alludes to Mars the father of Romulus and Remus (the founders of Rome were reared by a she-wolf). The god of war, defeated by Minerva, cowers behind. The allegorical pair are accompanied by a cupid who looks apprehensively up towards the unsteady man. The original painting by the Venetian artist of monumental works (c.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.
Title
Wisdom and Strength
Date
17th C
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 261.5 x W 175.5 cm
Accession number
732313
Acquisition method
gift from Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare along with the estate, house and its contents, 1946
Work type
Painting
