Fortitude Alessandro Botticelli (1445-1510)

This painting, titled Fortitude, depicts a woman seated on an ornate throne. She is richly dressed in a layered garment with a dark, armored bodice and sleeves, a voluminous white underdress, and a vibrant red outer robe draped around her. A golden diadem adorns her head, and she holds a scepter-like object horizontally in her hands, which are clasped around it. Her gaze is downcast, conveying a sense of solemnity or contemplation. The throne itself is elaborate, with carved details and a decorative arched canopy behind her. A dark background and the stone platform on which she sits complete the scene.
The subtexts of the painting heavily rely on its allegorical nature. Fortitude is one of the cardinal virtues, representing courage, strength of character, and resilience in the face of adversity. The womans attire, particularly the armor, is a clear symbolic representation of this strength and preparedness for struggle. The scepter can symbolize authority or rule, suggesting that true strength lies in leadership and the ability to govern oneself and others with courage. Her dignified posture and calm, though somber, expression reinforce the idea of inner strength and control, suggesting that fortitude is not about aggression but about steadfastness and inner resolve. The regal setting of the throne further elevates the virtue, presenting it as a quality worthy of veneration and a foundation for power and respect.