Allegory of Divine Wisdom

This modello, or oil study, was made in preparation for the ceiling of the Library in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence and shows the human intellect as a kneeling youth released from the bonds of ignorance. Attended by Mathematics, who gives him wings, and Philosophy, who holds out a mirror, and Theology, he gazes up at the enthroned figure with globe and sceptre who represents Wisdom. The subject is based on a line from Petrarch's 'Rime'.

This painting is one of a group of ten modelli, or elaborated oil studies, made in preparation for the fresco projects that Giordano created for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence.

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

Mythological Scene of Agriculture from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Allegory of Fortitude from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Allegory of Justice from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Allegory of Prudence from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Allegory of Temperance from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Apotheosis of the Medici from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

The Cave of Eternity from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Minerva as Protectress of the Arts and Sciences from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s

Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine from Modelli for the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

Luca Giordano

early 1680s