|
Date: |
|
Description: | The painting of Liberality and Modesty at Chiswick House is an old copy or studio replica of the original by Guido Reni (1575-1642) in the Spencer collection at Althorp House. The protagonists, two sparely clad women are seen on a terrace with a low parapet beyond which is a glimpse of coastland beneath an extensive area of sky, this sparse setting provides a neutral background highlighting the classically idealised forms of the figures. On the left Liberality is identified by the gold ewer and plate at her feet, with her right hand holding compasses she leans against the parapet, while in her left she offers a shallow dish containing jewels to Modesty on the right, who demurely accepts her gift with down-turned eyes. A cupid flies above them trailing festive ribbons. The neutral colouring of the background not only draws our attention to the figures but also renders more pronounced the subtle harmony produced by their curving forms and the gently contrasting colours of their drapery, pale pink for Liberality and brassy-red for Modesty. Reni's gracefully balanced composition serves to emphasise how complimentary the virtues of Liberality and Modesty are, rendering visible the harmony that results when one serves the other. | Subjects: | modesty); figure allegory (liberality | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Reni, Guido (Italian painter and draftsman, 1575-1642) Æ After | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=8731... | Go to resource |
|
|