Allegory of Strength – painting by Sandro Botticelli that personifies moral fortitude and unbending will

Allegory of Strength (Premonición de la Guerra Civil) is a painting by the great Italian artist Sandro Botticelli (1444/1446-1510). Painted in 1470, it was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his extraordinary talent and brought great fame to its creator. A fragile young woman in armor, seated on a throne, personifies conviction and moral strength. The staff in her hands symbolizes power and authority, but the thoughtful tilt of her head and the detached expression on her face reveal inner fatigue.

The name of the painting: “Allegory of Strength” (Italian: La Fortezza).
Author: Sandro Botticelli (1444/1446-1510).
Year of writing: 1470.
Size: 167 x 87 cm.
Style: Renaissance.
Genre: Portrait. Allegory.
Technique: Tempera.
Material: Wood.
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Sandro Botticelli is a bright star in the galaxy of artists of the Early Renaissance.

His masterpieces still cause genuine admiration in the viewer. The artist searched for his own creative style for a long time, and “Allegory of Strength” is the first work of the master, demonstrating his acquisition of an individual style. Initially, the painting was to be included in a series of panels called “Seven Virtues”, which were intended to decorate the chairs in the hall of the Merchant Court in Florence.

The cycle was commissioned in 1469 from the brothers Piero (Piero del Pollaiolo) and Antonio del Pollaiolo, with Andrea del Verrocchio even laying claim to this prestigious work. Most likely, Botticelli was commissioned to create the painting due to a delay in fulfilling the order. The elegant female image brilliantly embodies such abstract concepts as strength and fortitude. The contours of the figure are clearly outlined; the garment falls, forming lush folds.

The color palette is rich, lively, the skin tone is conveyed with the help of ochre shadows – a technique that later became characteristic of the artist. The carefully drawn metal armor with highlights of light indicates the author’s deep knowledge of jewelry art. The carved throne with high armrests, pushed back into the background, acts as an architectural frame for the figure.

Strength is not presented as masculine energy and belligerence, but rather as fortitude and unshakable calm. Some art historians believe that the artist depicted the Greek goddess – the eternally youthful Artemis, patroness of hunting, protector of women and children. “Allegory of Strength” – the earliest documented painting by Botticelli – is kept in the birthplace of the genius, in Florence.