Public Felicity Triumphant over Dangers 1625

Orazio Gentileschi painted this oil on canvas, entitled "Public Felicity Triumphant over Dangers," sometime in the early 17th century. The allegory of Public Felicity, or happiness of the state, was of great interest to European monarchs during this period, a time when political stability was far from assured. By personifying the ideal of "Public Felicity," this painting not only visualizes the concept but also subtly advocates for it as a goal of governance. We see her here, rising above the storm clouds, holding a staff with the snake of Asclepius, ancient god of medicine and healing. Gentileschi worked under the patronage of both the French and English royal families, and this particular piece can be seen as a commentary on the political aspirations of his patrons. To fully understand this painting, it is important to consider the social and political climate in which it was created, using archival resources, correspondence, and other historical documents. The historian's role is to examine art within the context of its creation.