The artwork, titled “Fortitude,” was created by the artist Giotto in 1306 using the medium of fresco. It belongs to the art movement known as Proto Renaissance and falls within the genre of allegorical painting. This particular piece is part of a series called “The Seven Virtues,” and it is housed in the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel located in Padua, Italy.
The artwork portrays the allegorical figure of Fortitude, who is depicted standing assertively, equipped with armor and holding a shield adorned with a fierce lion, symbolizing strength and courage. The figure’s stance, with a staff in one hand, embodies resilience and the steadiness of character. Giotto employs a monochromatic palette to emphasize the virtue’s solemnity and the seriousness attributed to this moral quality. The backdrop of the piece is simple yet effective, ensuring that the focus remains on the central figure, echoing the thematic gravity of the series.
