Allegory Of Fortune, Oil On Canvas, Late 17th, Early 18th Century.

Oil on canvas depicting an unusual representation of the goddess of Fortune, personified as a long-haired woman astride a globe, covering her eyes with one hand, as if blindfolded, while the other hand is turned behind her, dangling a pearl necklace. All around her, putti follow her, including a blindfolded one holding something: ears of wheat, a reference to Ceres, acanthus leaves, and the one opposite holding a serpentine-shaped animal.
All these references are linked to the concept of fortune, satirically presented by the inventor of this iconography, Salvator Rosa, who painted two versions of the controversial representation of Fortune, which was severely criticized by Catholic authorities of the painter's time.

In fact, this small version is a copy, likely made during the years when his paintings were enjoying enormous success on the market and among collectors.
This version of Rosa's painting was rediscovered only in the 1980s at an English auction, having previously been known only through documentary sources.

Our copy, which should be cleaned and slightly repaired, is certainly a rare expression, albeit a copy, of this irreverent image created by the Neapolitan genius.

The painting is in its original canvas state, never restored or cleaned.

It was possibly executed by a painter of the Roman school between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The painting is very unique and deserves further study from an ionological perspective, due to the numerous symbols it contains.

The Salvator Rosa frame on which it is mounted is gilded and from the 18th century.

Canvas measures 29cm x 40cm H / Framed measures 41cm x 59cm.
We enclose a certificate of authenticity with the sale.