Theology, Philosophy, Poetry and Jurisprudence, commonly called the Four Virtues of Raphael, (painting)

Object Details

Notes

Appears in exhibition catalog as entry no. 2-5

The Italians use the term Virtu with reference to intellectual as well as moral excellence. What are called the virtues of Raphael are the four celebrated medallions painted in Fresco, in the corners of the vaulted ceiling, of the first chamber of the Vatican in which Raphael worked, then called La Segnatura, and now, from the subjects of his pictures, the Chamber of the Sciences. Each of these medallions is a personification of the Science near which it is painted. Theology is near the great picture of the Church Militant and Triumphant, commonly called The dispute of the Sacrament. Philosophy is near the School of the Philosophers, or, as it is usually called, the School of Athens. Poetry with her lyre, is near the Parnassus; and Jurisprudence with her sword and balance, near the History of Civil and Canon Law, or the publication of the Pandects and Decretals, by Justinian and Gregory. These copies were ordered by the Archbishop of Taranto, and executed by Domenico Carelli, a living Artist of the same School. In the Archbishop's Catalogue, it is said, that they were highly valued by Camuccini, Landi and Canova, all of whom pronounced them to be most beautiful. . . . (On canvass--21 inches in diameter.) [Pp. 9-10; exhibited under heading: "Roman School." See entry 06140001 for biographical information on the artist.]

Catalogue of the Pictures which formed the collection of Joseph Capece Latro, ancient Archbishop of Taranto, &c. in the Kingdom of Naples now exhibited in the City Dispensary, in White Street, for the benefit of that Charitable Institution. New York, October, 1835.

Data Source

Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index

Date

1876

Control number

AECI 06140002

artist

Carelli, Domenico

Raphael (copy after)

Type

Paintings

Exhibition Catalogs

Medium

Canvas

Topic

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Theology

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Philosophy

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Poetry

Allegory--Civic--Law

Allegory--Quality--Virtue

Figure group

Record ID

siris_aeci_108964

Usage

Usage conditions apply