Fortitude

This statue, representing fortitude, is one of three statues thought to have been carved for the monument of Gaston de Foix, Duc de Nemours (1489-1512), commander of the French forces in Italy. The three statues are by different sculptors, employed by Italian sculptor Agostino Busti, known as Bambaia, to assist in producing the many figures required for the commission. Similar figures appear on a drawing that is usually linked to this monument. Fortitude and Charity were appropriate virtues for a warrior as they suggested strength and clemency.Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London