Fortitudo breidelt de zotheid ; Allegorische voorstelling van de verzorging van leprozen en onnozelen 1665 - 1685

Gerard de Lairesse created this allegorical painting to represent the virtue of fortitude triumphing over folly. It reflects on the social responsibility to care for the vulnerable, like lepers and the simple-minded. Painted in the Netherlands, likely around the late 17th or early 18th century, the image uses classical figures to convey its message. Fortitude, a warrior-like figure, is depicted alongside other allegorical figures and rides a lion, trampling folly underfoot. A woman holding a child may represent charity, underscoring the theme of social care. During this period, institutions for the sick and mentally ill were developing in Europe, often under religious or charitable auspices. De Lairesse's painting can be seen as a commentary on the moral imperative of these institutions. To fully understand such a work, we delve into historical texts, religious teachings, and records of contemporary social institutions. By understanding the social and institutional context, we are better placed to interpret the meanings that art had for its original audiences.