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This colossal head may be that of a giant, a figure taken from classical mythology in which such characters are described as being rough and primitive beings, possessed of remarkable strength and terrifying to look at. The first reference to the canvas (1661) locates it on a staircase in the Buen Retiro palace in Madrid, probably the one known as the buffoons staircase as it was hung with Vel&aacu
The goddess Fortuna holds a cornucopia and a rudder resting on a globe. The statue is based on a Greek original, an Artemis by the School of Polyclitus (4th century BC), as may be seen from the similarity in the band across her bust. The head and left hand are later additions. Christianity did little to undermine faith in Fortuna, who was extremely popular in Rome.
