The Triumph of Virtue and Divine Wisdom 1736

Editor: Here we have Livio Retti’s drawing, "The Triumph of Virtue and Divine Wisdom" from 1736. It’s a detailed sketch, filled with figures ascending amidst clouds. It feels very grandiose and theatrical, almost like a stage design. What do you see in this piece, especially with the arrangement of the figures? Curator: What I notice first is the interplay between the classical symbols and Baroque drama. Virtue and Divine Wisdom are depicted traditionally, enthroned, almost weightless at the summit. What does it evoke in you, this clustering around powerful symbols like the shield and scepter? Editor: It feels very ordered and hierarchical. The eye is naturally drawn upward to those figures on top. There's a sense of movement but also a strong, predetermined structure. The chaos seems controlled. What does it mean that Divine Wisdom is so prevalent in visual culture at that time? Curator: Exactly! The arrangement speaks volumes about the cultural values of the time. In the 18th century, visual culture played a critical role in upholding authority, morality, and faith, communicating ideals and lessons. Virtue being triumphant, in art, reinforces not just hope but a certain cultural continuity. Do you see other examples of triumph and vanquish being shown? Editor: The subdued dragon at the bottom makes me think of St. George! That really shifts my understanding from abstract "good versus bad" to the narrative strength of symbols passed down over centuries! Curator: Precisely! Retti uses established visual language to connect with his audience and elevate the concepts he portrays, ensuring its legacy transcends simple artistry. Editor: That's fascinating! I didn’t initially think about the long-term effect it must have had on people seeing these types of images. Curator: Yes, considering images as cultural artifacts gives us insights into what society valued and remembered. Every symbol carries with it the weight of cultural memory.