The Goddess Fortuna Bestowing her Gifts c. 1645

Simon Flocquet's "The Goddess Fortuna Bestowing her Gifts," painted around 1645, depicts the Roman goddess Fortuna showering gifts upon a throng of people below. Fortuna, a symbol of luck and fortune, stands atop a globe atop a column, scattering her gifts, including a crown and scepter, as if to highlight the capricious and unpredictable nature of her blessings. The scene is filled with a variety of individuals, representing the diverse fates bestowed by Fortuna, with some celebrating their good fortune and others lamenting their ill luck. This intricate composition, typical of Flocquet's work, masterfully captures the captivating interplay of chance and destiny.