(Gaeta 1680–1764 Naples)
An Allegory of Temperance,
oil on canvas, 81.5 x 66.5 cm, framed

Provenance:
sale, Sotheby’s, London, 11 July 1973, lot 73 (as Sebastiano Conca, ‘An allegorical figure of Prudence’, with measurements 77.5 x 63.5 cm);
with Central Picture Gallery, New York, by 1981;
Private European collection

Exhibited:
Gaeta, Museo di Palazzo De Vio, Sebastiano Conca, July – October 1981, no. 94

Literature:
Centro Storico Culturale, Gaeta (ed.), Sebastiano Conca (1680–1764), exhibition catalogue, Gaeta 1981, no. 94 (as Sebastiano Conca, with measurements 77.5 x 63.5 cm)                

The present painting is registered in the Fototeca Zeri under no. 61099 (as Sebastiano Conca, with measurements 77.5 x 63.5 cm).

The present composition can be compared to other works by Conca, such as Saint Cecilia (see G. Sestieri, in: Sebastiano Conca [1680–1764], exhibition catalogue, Gaeta 1981, no. 34) and the Fama in the Accademia di San Luca, Rome (inv. no. 386). Parallels to the latter are visible not only in the general outlines of the composition showing a winged female figure accompanied by a putto, but also in the delicately elaborated flesh tones and the upward looking gaze of the figure. An overall muted colour palette is dominated by the purple colour of Temperance’s clothes that contrasts with her light complexion.

The laurel wreath and bridle allow the female figure represented here to be identified as an Allegory of Temperance, and not as Prudenza, as has previously been suggested. Her attributes symbolise the control of the instincts by reason.

Sebastiano Conca studied with Francesco Solimena in Naples. In 1707 he moved to Rome, where he meet success, becoming a leading figure of the Roman Classical Revival. Among his patrons were the Cardinals Spada and Ottoboni, as well as Pope Clement XI. He was an important member of the Accademia di San Luca and was twice elected its director in 1729 and in 1739. He later also worked for the Royal court in Turin.