VEEN, Otto van
(b. 1556, Leiden, d. 1629, Brussel)

The Triumph of Wisdom over Fortune

-
Oil on oak panel, 24 x 35 cm
Private collection

The male figure in this work is identifiable as Hercules by his club. The Medusa shield he holds is the attribute of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, and the female figure is identifiable as Fortune by her cornucopia, thus bearing out the inscription, lower right: Sapienzia Fortuna uictricx.