Abundance & Merit

The allegory of Abundance is depicted, following tradition, as a woman distributing gold coins, while Merit, wearing a cloak over armour, and a wreath of laurel leaves, holds a sceptre. The figures are painted in pale-green grisaille with creamy highlights. The panels were originally cupboard doors, and until recently had hinges and a lock on their backs. Both figures seem to have been painted over flower paintings, which now show through in places, particularly to the left of the figure of Merit. The two allegorical panels were originally cupboard doors.