Giordano Luca (Naples 1632-1705) – Allegory (180x180 cm) c.1670 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a central female figure seated upon what appears to be a throne or elevated platform. She is adorned in regal attire: a crown rests upon her head, and she wears a richly embroidered mantle draped over her shoulders. Her posture conveys authority; she extends her hand towards a golden crown suspended in the air above her. The gesture seems deliberate, as if offering or bestowing this symbol of power.
Flanking the central figure are several cherubic figures. One angel hovers in the upper left corner, seemingly presenting a laurel wreath. Below and to the right of the seated woman, three more putti engage with a large lion. Two playfully adorn the animal’s head with flowers, while another appears to be offering him a golden object. The lion itself lies prone, its expression suggesting docility rather than ferocity.
The background is rendered in a manner that suggests depth and distance. A landscape unfolds behind the central figure, featuring trees, architectural elements (possibly ruins), and a body of water receding into the horizon. The sky is filled with swirling clouds, creating an atmospheric effect that enhances the sense of grandeur.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The presence of the lion, traditionally associated with strength and royalty, suggests dominion or control. Its tamed posture implies that power is not brute force but something managed and guided by a higher authority – represented by the seated woman. The cherubic figures introduce an element of divine grace and perhaps innocence, suggesting that these qualities are integral to legitimate rule. The laurel wreath signifies victory and honor, reinforcing the idea of a just and triumphant reign.
The act of offering the crown is particularly significant. It could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of transferring power or bestowing legitimacy upon a ruler. The artist’s choice to depict this moment with such elaborate detail suggests that it holds profound meaning within the context of the works creation, likely intended to convey messages about governance, virtue, and divine sanction.