BAGLIONE, Giovanni
(b. ca. 1566, Roma d. 1643, Roma)

Hercules at the Crossroads

1640-42
Oil on canvas, 132 x 137 cm
Narodna galerija Slovenije, Ljubljana

Hercules in Greek mythology is the personification of physical strength and courage. Hercules at the crossroad (the choice of Hercules) is an allegory which depicts the hero choosing between the figures who personify Virtue and Vice, each of whom invites him to follow her. He chose the former. In this painting Virtue take the form of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and Hercules' mentor. She wears armour.