Veronese, Paolo – De keuze tussen deugd en hartstocht, 1590 - 1680 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a classical architectural setting, suggesting a deliberate staging of moral or allegorical significance. A young male figure occupies the central foreground, positioned between two female figures who appear to be offering him a choice. He gestures towards his chest with a hand placed over his heart, an action that immediately draws attention to the internal conflict he seems to embody. His attire – a vibrant red doublet and hose – contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the women’s garments, further emphasizing his position as the focal point.
To his right stands a woman draped in a pale pink robe, her arms crossed over her chest in a gesture that conveys restraint and perhaps admonishment. Her gaze is directed towards the young man, suggesting an expectation or warning. The other female figure, seated on what appears to be a stone bench, wears a rich crimson gown and offers a more inviting posture with one hand extended as if presenting something. A sculpted bust of a classical figure sits behind her, partially obscured by foliage, reinforcing the setting’s association with antiquity and established ideals.
The background is rendered in a hazy manner, depicting a landscape receding into distance under a stormy sky. This atmospheric perspective creates depth while simultaneously drawing attention to the figures in the foreground. The vegetation surrounding the scene appears lush but somewhat overgrown, hinting at an untamed or potentially dangerous natural world that mirrors the internal struggle of the young man.
The subtexts within this painting revolve around themes of virtue versus passion, reason versus desire. The positioning and gestures of the characters strongly suggest a moral dilemma being presented to the youth. The woman in pink embodies restraint and perhaps represents the path of virtue, while the woman in red seems to embody temptation or sensual pleasure. The young man’s hand on his heart signifies the weight of this decision, highlighting the internal conflict between these opposing forces. The classical setting and sculpted bust elevate the scene beyond a simple narrative, suggesting that it is intended as an exploration of universal human struggles and choices.