Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance

Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance is a monumental fresco created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo around 1760. This powerful depiction of mythological and allegorical figures represents the final flowering of the great Venetian tradition just before the rise of Neoclassicism. Originally executed on plaster, the massive painting was later transferred to canvas using the difficult strappo technique, a necessary conservation measure used to preserve wall paintings when they must be removed from their original architectural setting.

The composition features two gracefully intertwined Female Nudes, representing the title concepts of Virtue and Abundance. Tiepolo rendered the figures with dynamic energy and a vibrant, airy palette typical of his mature late-Rococo style. Virtue is typically shown in an elevated position, commanding the central space, while Abundance is surrounded by symbols of plenty and fertility. The celestial movement is enhanced by the inclusion of several airborne Putti who direct the viewer’s eye across the billowing drapery and expansive skyward setting. Tiepolo’s technical skill in creating the illusion of boundless, light-filled space, even in this transferred format, solidifies his reputation as the premier decorative painter of the eighteenth century.

This exceptional work, which epitomizes the decorative flair of the era, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given its immense historical and artistic significance, reproductions of the painting are highly valued. High-quality prints of this painting are often available through resources that recognize its importance as a defining piece of eighteenth-century art historical heritage. The image is frequently available in the public domain, allowing broader access to Tiepolo's decorative genius.