The Choice Between Virtue and Vice

Though the patron of this piece may be unknown, the moral lesson shown is clear, which is offered in the form of a story with Hercules at a crossroads. He must choose between Vice, the woman facing away from the viewer and clothed in bright fabrics, who offers him a life of ease and pleasure, or Virtue, who looks more dim and haggard, but points towards the rugged ascent to true happiness. [1] In the piece, Hercules has favored Virtue, but the figure of Vice has ripped his stockings and has a jagged knife that leans against the breast of a sphinx under her skirt as Hercules shields himself from Virtue who, in turn, protects him. [1] The lesson in this piece was conveyed to viewers in conjunction with the painting’s partner piece Allegory of Wisdom and Strength, which was originally hung to the right of The Choice Between Vice and Virtue. [1] This piece is also accompanied with an inscription, located on the entablature at the upper left, which states that “Honor and Virtue flourish after Death.” [1]

In The Choice between Vice and Virtue, also known as The Choice of Hercules, [2] Veronese has used his signature style of vivid coloring and detailing in a new direction that results in more intense detailing and complex development. [2] For instance, the painter has used light and color in a flipped symbolism that sets it apart from the traditional use of light and color as symbols in paintings. The figure of Virtue is dull, plain, and cast in shadows, whereas the figure of Vice is bright and illuminated as she is garbed in beautiful and richly colored clothing. However, he reminds the viewers that initial looks may be deceptive by using the symbolism of duplicity associated with the Sphinx as well as the placement of a knife under Vice’s skirt. Though the figure of Vice appears far more attractive, Hercules has chosen the path of Virtue as seen by the spatial positioning in this piece. The white-clothed figure of Hercules can be seen reaching for Virtue as Virtue holds to him and tries to shield him from Vice’s continued attacks, which can be seen in the layout of this piece as Vice continues to reach for him.

Through the use of symbolism, light, and spatial organization, Veronese hopes to teach his viewers a moral lesson through this piece, though he does so in a unique manner. Traditionally, the elements of light and bright colors were used to indicate the divine, good, or just. However, Veronese, in this piece, has turned this symbolism to show that what may appear good may not, in reality, be good. This furthers the moral lesson Veronese is conveying through his story because he shows viewers, both contemporary and of his time, that the choice for true happiness and virtue may not be as glamorous as individuals hope for and that it is easy to be trapped in the allure of vice.

[1] “The Choice Between Vice and Virtue,” The Frick Collection, accessed November 6, 2020, https://collections.frick.org/objects/276/the-choice-between-virtue-and-vice;jsessionid=5F4ED9F5E888E0A7D067364109DBECF3?ctx=2d203f6b-ee1c-4f5a-9e91-dc71fb66a6c9&idx=0.

[2] Diana Gisolfi, “Veronese [Caliari], Paolo,” Grove Art Online, July 2013: 13.

• The Frick Collection. “The Choice Between Vice and Virtue.” Accessed November 6, 2020, https://collections.frick.org/objects/276/the-choice-between-virtue-and-vice;jsessionid=5F4ED9F5E888E0A7D067364109DBECF3?ctx=2d203f6b-ee1c-4f5a-9e91-dc71fb66a6c9&idx=0.
• Gisolfi, Diana. “Veronese [Caliari], Paolo”. Grove Art Online (July 2013): 13. https://doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T089003.
• Brook, Irene. "Veronese," Renaissance Studies 30, no. 3 (2015): 457. 
• Cocke, Richard. 2005. Veronese. London, England: Chaucer Press.
• Salomon, Xavier F. 2014. Veronese. London, England: National Gallery Company.