The Triumph of Poverty (one of a series)

Unknown

last quarter 16th century · Bronze · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

“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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last quarter 16th century

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Netherlandish

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Ogden Mills, 1925