Francesco Solimena – Allegory of power prosperity Liechtenstein Museum (Vienna)

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement of figures within a theatrical setting. A central female figure, seated on an elevated platform and crowned with what appears to be a royal diadem, dominates the scene. She holds a scepter, a traditional symbol of authority and dominion. Behind her, partially obscured by foliage, are two putti holding a mirror, which reflects light and seems to suggest self-awareness or perhaps the perception of power.
Flanking this central figure are two other women, each draped in flowing robes of contrasting colors – one in red and the other in blue and gold. The woman in red gestures towards the central figure with an expression that could be interpreted as offering homage or presenting a tribute. The woman in blue and gold kneels at the base of the platform, her posture suggesting reverence and submission. At her feet lies a child, seemingly surrounded by abundance – fruits and other produce are scattered around him, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.
The background is deliberately obscured by an elaborate arrangement of flowers and foliage, creating a sense of depth and grandeur while simultaneously drawing attention to the figures in the foreground. The dark, undefined space below the platform emphasizes the elevated status of those depicted above.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of power, prosperity, and legitimacy. The mirror held by the putti introduces an element of introspection or perhaps a commentary on how power is perceived. The abundance at the child’s feet reinforces the idea that wealth and fertility are integral to maintaining authority. The gestures and postures of the female figures suggest a complex interplay of roles – ruler, advisor, supplicant – all contributing to a narrative about the maintenance and validation of power. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed symbolism intended to convey a message of regal authority and divine favor.