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This modello, or detailed oil study, is one of a group of 12 that Giordano made in preparation for the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in 1682–85. Ten of the modelli are in the National Gallery's collection, and this one represents one of the four Cardinal Virtues. First identified by the philosopher Plato, these were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church. A different Virtue is depicted in each corner of the ceiling. Here the Virtue is Temperance, shown as a young woman wearing an armoured breastplate and leaning on an elephant, then regarded as strong but cautious animals. Beside her stands Sobriety and together they triumph over Sloth (languishing on the left), Envy (in the centre) and Hunger (to the right, chewing on a bone).
Title
Allegory of Temperance
Date
early 1680s
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 97 x W 101.3 cm
Accession number
NG6635
Acquisition method
Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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