On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01674
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Fortune
- Chronology
- 1636-1638
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 179 cm x 95 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The sphere on which she stands
identifies this figure as the
goddess Fortune, who navigates over
the world. She holds a grey robe in
her left hand, using it like a sail
to advance. The fanciful Fortune
can bring happiness, but also
misfortune, as is symbolized by the
incipient storm in the
background.
This work was made for the Torre de
la Parada, a small royal palace
near Madrid. It is likely that one
of Ruben's disciples painted part
of it. The composition follows the
representation of some emblems by
the Italian writer, Alciato, as
well as certain prints by Albrecht
Dürer (1471-1528).
It was long thought to be a
depiction of Venus, as it is paired
with Vulcan (P1676), and because of
the iconographical similarities
between the two deities.
