Allegory of Justice

Justice, one of the four Cardinal Virtues, is shown seated on an ostrich and carrying the scales and sword which are her attributes. To the right are Punishment and Recompense, and on the left is the masked and serpent-tailed figure of Deceit. Discord and Strife flee to the right while the flying figures above represent the effects of justice: Order, Fame and Security.

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.

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 Divine Wisdom 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 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