Allegorical Group of Victory Supported by Valor

Description

Francesco Bertos specialized in creating allegorical groups of great complexity in marble and bronze. Pyramidal in shape, these works consist of multiple figures generally embodying the triumph of virtue over vice. Here the subject is a winged personification of victory standing on a unicorn, the symbol of purity, and supported by the mythical Greek hero Hercules (wearing the hide of the lion he killed in the first of his 12 labors), representing valor. Below are figures who personify riches, prudence, agriculture and abundance, and honor overcoming deceit.

Provenance

Blumka Gallery, New York, by 1964; sold to the Art Institute, 1964.

Allegorical Group of Victory Supported by Valor

Francesco Bertos

1700/10

Accession Number

20491

Medium

Bronze

Dimensions

88.9 × 39.1 × 36.8 cm (35 × 15 5/8 × 14 1/2 in.)

Classification

statuette

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Elizabeth R. Vaughan Fund