Inspired by the classical fable of “Hercules at the crossroads”, Veronese addressed the choice of Virtue in three paintings. In these works, the subject takes on different shades of meaning: the work in the Prado Museum offers a moral exemplum to the young Benedetto Sanudo; the canvas in the Frick Collec tion is a meditation on the relationship between Virtue and Nobility; the painting in the National Gallery of Melbourne invites to harmonise action and study. In this work, we also propose to identify Leonardo di Giovanni Mocenigo as the protagonist. At the same time, despite their differences, the three paintings convey the idea that Virtue is always the result of a choice, a message in line with Venetian patrician ideology.
Veneziani al bivio: Paolo Veronese e la scelta della Virtù
Alessandra Zamperini
2026-01-01
Abstract
Inspired by the classical fable of “Hercules at the crossroads”, Veronese addressed the choice of Virtue in three paintings. In these works, the subject takes on different shades of meaning: the work in the Prado Museum offers a moral exemplum to the young Benedetto Sanudo; the canvas in the Frick Collec tion is a meditation on the relationship between Virtue and Nobility; the painting in the National Gallery of Melbourne invites to harmonise action and study. In this work, we also propose to identify Leonardo di Giovanni Mocenigo as the protagonist. At the same time, despite their differences, the three paintings convey the idea that Virtue is always the result of a choice, a message in line with Venetian patrician ideology.
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