The Triumph of Wisdom over Fortune
by VEEN, Otto van, Oil on oak panel, 24 x 35 cm
The male figure in this work is identifiable as Hercules by his club. The Medusa shield he holds is the attribute of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, and the female figure is identifiable as Fortune by her cornucopia, thus bearing out the inscription, lower right: Sapienzia Fortuna uictricx.