The Choice of Hercules (oil on canvas)

The moral theme of this allegorical picture is derived from the Greek philosopher, Prodicus, a friend of Socrates and Plato, and told in Xenophon’s Memorabilia (circa 430-354 BC). Hercules, young, beardless and crowned with a laurel, leans on his club, at a cross road. The two female figures represent Virtue and Vice. Vice, clad in more revealing orange robes is accompanied by Cupid who offers a posy of flowers up to Hercules. She gestures towards an easy path to a beckoning sunny valley below whilst Virtue, chastely dressed in white, on the other hand, points towards the difficult path, a steep rocky ascent. Hercules looks at Virtue knowing he should choose her path. The presence of the snake on the ground has multiple references. Hercules overcame snakes more than once in his life; it has been an attribute of Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom symbolising prudence; and an evil serpent. Possibly the picture that once belonged to the architect François Blondel (1617–86). Bought by Henry II Hoare at the posthumous sale of the magnificent builder, collector, and patron, the 1st Duke of Chandos, in 1747.