Wisdom and Strength

A radiant woman in white and gold - Divine Wisdom - turns her gaze heavenward, while at her feet a muscular Hercules, embodying earthly Strength, leans on his club and looks down at a scatter of crowns and jewels, the riches of the world. Veronese stages the allegory as a contrast between things above and things below, dressed in his trademark luxuriant silks and silvery light. Painted as the companion to The Choice Between Virtue and Vice, also in this collection, it was likely made for the imperial court of Rudolf II. The two pictures stayed together for centuries before reaching the Frick.