Allegory of Charity
by ORIOLI, Pietro di Francesco degli, Oil on panel, 89 x 48 cm
The allegorical depictions of Faith and Charity formed part of a series of the Three Theological Virtues with a third painting depicting Hope (in a private collection). These types of panels, often comprising allegories or depictions of figures from antiquity, were very popular in Siena in the late 15th century and into the 16th century. They were usually incorporated into the decorative scheme of a room or set into pieces of furniture.
The panel is inscribed at top: CARITAS CONSVMMATA (Charity Realized).