Female figure

The sixteen allegorical figures around the central painting on the ceiling of the Sala dell’Albergo are portrayed in forced and artificial poses and attitudes of truly Mannerist origin. They were particularly studied by Tintoretto in preliminary drawings. In these allegories, the perspective-illusionistic effect presents the figures in formal solutions of flowing complexity.

The two female figures next to Happiness still have not been given a precise identification. Arranged in gestures of devote piety, they seem to pass through the clouds driven by a raging wind. Their robes of white and red lake billow out in violent swirls which are given prominence by shining threads of light painted with skilful vividness.