Allegory of Virtue and Nobility

The two female allegorical figures represent Virtue and Nobility. Virtue is the young woman with wings grasping a spear, while Nobility holds in her hand a statuette of Minerva. Their eyes meet against the backdrop of the sky and their garments seems to flutter in the wind. They are accompanied by three putti one looks down from above, another seems to be swooping down through the air, while the third is plunging into a cloud. The painting is a sketch for various larger compositions painted by Tiepolo at different times on the ceilings of villas and private residences. The sketch was painted with rapid, vibrant brushstrokes, using a clear and brilliant palette, even in the parts thrown into shadow, with a skilful use of backlighting. It has been dated to the 1740s. Title Allegory of Virtue and Nobility Creator Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Creator Lifespan 1696 - 1770 Creator Nationality Italian Creator Death Place Madrid Creator Birth Place Venezia Date Created 1740 - 1750 Physic