Rosa Salvatore (1615 Naples – 1673 Rome) – Allegory of Fortune (198x133 cm) 1659 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a complex scene dominated by a female figure positioned centrally within a chaotic arrangement of animals and scattered objects. The woman, seemingly youthful, is draped in flowing fabric, partially revealing her body. Her gaze is directed upwards and slightly off-center, suggesting a detachment from the immediate turmoil surrounding her. A cascade of golden hair frames her face, contributing to an overall impression of classical beauty and perhaps divine status.
The most striking element is the presence of numerous animals – bulls, sheep, goats, and what appears to be a bison – all depicted in varying states of agitation or disarray. They are not arranged in a pastoral setting but rather seem to be emerging from and dissolving into a dark, undefined space that occupies much of the background. The animals’ postures convey a sense of struggle and unrestrained energy. A prominent horn, likely belonging to one of the bulls, curves dramatically across the composition, acting as both a visual barrier and a symbolic element suggesting power or dominance.
At the base of the scene lies a scattering of objects – coins, foliage, broken implements, and what appears to be a discarded crown. This accumulation suggests loss, decay, and perhaps the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. The coins, specifically, imply wealth but their haphazard distribution undermines any notion of order or stability.
The subdued lighting contributes significantly to the painting’s atmosphere. The darkness emphasizes the drama of the scene and obscures details in the background, focusing attention on the central figure and the immediate cluster of animals. This use of chiaroscuro enhances the sense of movement and creates a dynamic interplay between light and shadow.
Subtextually, the work appears to explore themes of fortune, chaos, and the unpredictable nature of fate. The female figure could be interpreted as an allegorical representation of Fortune herself – a capricious deity who bestows both blessings and misfortunes upon mortals. The animals symbolize the various aspects of human life – wealth, labor, vulnerability – all subject to her whims. The discarded crown suggests the impermanence of power and status in the face of fate’s influence. The overall impression is one of a world governed by forces beyond human control, where beauty and chaos coexist in uneasy tension.