Follower of Paolo Caliari, called Paolo Veronese, 17th Century

This work is a copy after Paolo Veronese's Choice between Virtue and Vice, the prime version of which can be found in the Frick Collection, New York (inv. no. 1912.1.129).  The heavy weave of the canvas support here appears to be Roman, suggesting this work was perhaps painted after Veronese's original while it was in the collection of Queen Christina of Sweden in Rome.  According to mythology, Hercules found himself at a crossroads tempted toward divergent paths by the two nymphs, Virtue and Vice.  Vice is seen here enthroned and at leisure, dripping with jewels and gold, yet Hercules' stocking, torn by her claw- like nails, hints at the danger of choosing her route to luxury and depravity.  The hero instead turns to the modestly attired Virtue who assists him along the rugged, uphill trail toward honor and moral triumph.