Bounty of James I triumphing over Avarice Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The composition presents a dramatic allegorical scene unfolding within a swirling, dark blue sky. A female figure, radiating light and adorned with a golden laurel wreath, dominates the upper portion of the canvas. She is draped in flowing pink robes that partially reveal her body, suggesting both divinity and vitality. Her expression conveys a sense of triumph and benevolent authority as she looks down upon the figure below. In her left hand, she holds a cornucopia overflowing with fruit and foliage, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. A golden crown rests atop the cornucopia, further emphasizing themes of regal power and divine favor.
Beneath this triumphant figure lies a man, seemingly defeated and restrained. He is clad in pale blue robes that appear heavy and restrictive, suggesting confinement or burden. His face is contorted in an expression of anguish or despair, his eyes closed as if overwhelmed by the force above him. A small, grotesque creature – perhaps representing greed or avarice – clings to his leg, further emphasizing his downfall. The man’s posture suggests a collapse, a surrender to the power embodied by the woman above.
The artist employs a dynamic use of light and shadow to heighten the drama. The upper figure is bathed in a golden glow, contrasting sharply with the darker tones enveloping the fallen man. This contrast reinforces the thematic opposition between abundance/virtue and scarcity/vice. The swirling clouds create a sense of movement and instability, suggesting a cosmic struggle or divine intervention.
The subtext appears to be a commentary on the triumph of righteous rule over destructive forces. The woman’s gesture – her hand poised above the fallen man – implies not just victory but also potential redemption or oversight. The presence of the creature clinging to the defeated figure suggests that avarice, though vanquished, remains a persistent threat. Overall, the painting conveys a message about the importance of virtuous leadership and the consequences of succumbing to greed, presented within a framework of divine power and cosmic order.