The Triumph of Poverty (one of a series)

last quarter 16th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520

“Triumphs” of allegorical figures evoke an ancient Roman ceremony where victorious generals and their armies marched with the captives and spoils they had taken in war. Here, the general is Poverty, joined in the cart by Fear and Humility, with Weakness (behind the donkeys), Patience (heavily burdened), and Servitude (in chains) walking alongside. One of thirteen plaques illustrating triumph over life’s trials, this image naturalized poverty for the laboring classes.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: The Triumph of Poverty (one of a series)
Date: last quarter 16th century
Culture: Netherlandish
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: H. 2 5/8 x W. 5 in. (6.7 x 12.7 cm.)
Classification: Medals and Plaquettes
Credit Line: Gift of Ogden Mills, 1925
Object Number: 25.142.32
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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The Triumph of the Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude and Justice (one of a series), Bronze, Netherlandish — The Triumph of the Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude and Justice (one of a series)
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The Triumph of the Church (one of a series), Bronze, Netherlandish — The Triumph of the Church (one of a series)
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The Triumph of Virtues: Justice, Peace and Abundance (one of a series), Bronze, Netherlandish — The Triumph of Virtues: Justice, Peace and Abundance (one of a series)
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The Triumph of Humility (one of a series), Bronze, Netherlandish — The Triumph of Humility (one of a series)
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Triton, Giambologna Netherlandish, Bronze, Italian, Florence — Triton
Giambologna
1590s

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