The artwork “Fortune” is an allegorical painting created by the esteemed artist Guido Reni in 1637. It is executed using oil on canvas and exemplifies the Baroque art movement with its dramatic style and emotive qualities. Measuring 168 by 138 centimeters, this painting can be viewed at the Pinacoteca Vaticana, located within the Vatican.
The artwork portrays the allegory of Fortune, depicted as a nude female figure, rendered with a sense of motion and grace typical of Baroque sensibility. She is shown in mid-flight, balancing on a sphere, which symbolizes the unpredictable nature of fortune and chance. Her body is angled, and her limbs are positioned in a way that suggests both elegance and instability.
In her right hand, she loftily holds a cornucopia, also known as the horn of plenty, from which spills an abundance of riches—a nod to the bounty that Fortune can bestow. Her left hand is elevated high above her head, bearing a crown which adds to the allegorical representation of the power and favor that Fortune can grant to those she favors.
The dynamic composition is enhanced by flowing drapery in a rich coral tone, which swirls around her figure, emphasizing movement and the transient quality of Fortune’s blessings. The figure of a small winged putto clings to her, struggling to hold onto the drapery, further contributing to the imagery of fleeting chance and the continuous effort to grasp the favors of fortune.
In the backdrop, the sky is rendered with soft, painterly clouds, providing a neutral yet moody atmosphere that contrasts with the vividness of the main figures. This setting underscores the theme of volatility, as the sky can rapidly shift from calm to stormy, much like the nature of luck and fortune.
The painting, rich with symbolism and rendered with Reni’s fine technique, serves as a captivating embodiment of Baroque artistry, showcasing the artist’s ability to convey complex themes through expressive, dynamic compositions.