Fortune standing on a globe emptying a purse of coins 1630 - 1640

This is an engraving, 'Fortune standing on a globe emptying a purse of coins', made by Simone Cantarini in the 17th century. The composition is immediately striking, a whirlwind of diagonal lines and swirling forms. Fortune is depicted in a state of dynamic imbalance as she empties her purse, creating a sense of instability. A cherubic figure tugs at her drapery, further disrupting the scene's equilibrium. The artist’s lines are not merely descriptive, they carry meaning. The fine, controlled lines define the contours of Fortune's body, while the more chaotic strokes evoke the ephemeral nature of luck. We can also see a commentary on the Baroque era’s fascination with movement and the transient nature of earthly possessions. The image destabilizes any fixed notion of wealth or stability. Fortune is shown dispensing coins seemingly at random, highlighting the capricious nature of fate. The visual language suggests that fortune, like the engraving's lines, is not fixed or immutable but a fluid and ever-changing force.