Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Northern Ireland > Paintings
Allegory of Fortune
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Allegory of Fortune
Allegory of Fortune. Lippi, Lorenzo 1606-1665. The depiction of a human figure personifying an abstract concept such as youth or beauty is called an allegory. The young woman in this painting is an allegory of fortune and the monkey, who appears to be selecting playing cards, symbolises chance. The association of fortune with man?s ability to shape his destiny by swift, decisive action was a popular concept during the Renaissance. It derived from the classical idea of fortune being an unpredictable force which must be seized to ensure success. Born in Florence, Lippi was a pupil of Matteo Rosselli from whom he learnt the fine, searching drawing skills of the Florentine workshop tradition. During the 1630s Lippi drew increasingly from nature, a skill described by his biographer Balducci as ?his pure imitation of reality?. Lippi also developed a restrained, classical style that abandoned the richly patterned fabrics and elaborate jewellery favoured by other Seventeenth century Florentine painters
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 13100067
© National Museums NI / MARY EVANS
Ability Abstract Allegory Appears Association Called Chance Concept Depiction Fortune Human Lippi Lorenzo Monkey Selecting Symbolises Youth Manas Personifying
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Abstract Art
> Painting
> Related Images
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Figure drawing
> Fine art portraits
> Europe
> Republic of Ireland
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Northern Ireland
> Paintings
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> National Museums Northern Ireland
Allegory of Fortune
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating masterpiece painted by the Florentine artist Lorenzo Lippi in 1606-1665. This evocative painting presents an allegory of the abstract concept of Fortune, embodied by a young woman, and the unpredictable force of Chance, symbolized by a monkey selecting playing cards. During the Renaissance, the notion of Fortune as an unpredictable yet malleable force that could be shaped by human actions was a popular philosophical concept. Lippi's painting encapsulates this idea, with the young woman's outstretched hand suggesting the swift and decisive action required to seize Fortune's favor. Born in Florence, Lippi was a pupil of Matteo Rosselli, where he honed his fine drawing skills in the Florentine workshop tradition. However, during the 1630s, Lippi began to draw inspiration from nature, as described by his biographer Balducci as "his pure imitation of reality." This naturalistic approach is evident in the intricate details of the young woman's features and the textured folds of her clothing. Lippi's restrained, classical style is also notable in this painting, a departure from the richly patterned fabrics and elaborate jewellery favored by other Seventeenth-century Florentine painters. The muted color palette and simplified forms create a sense of harmony and balance, enhancing the timeless quality of the allegory. Overall, Lippi's "Allegory of Fortune" is a stunning example of the artistic innovation and philosophical exploration that characterized the Renaissance period. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the role of chance and human agency in shaping our destinies, a theme that remains relevant today.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
