(b. 1612, Coldrerio, d. 1666, Roma)

Allegory of the Phlegmatic Temperament c. 1650 Oil on canvas, 76 x 114 cm Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice

The foreground is dominated by the massive figure of a turbaned Turk who has fallen asleep on the steps of a classical marble fountain. The darkened trees in the distance and the deep shadows on all sides suggest that the scene takes place under the light of a brightly shining moon. Dimly glimpsed on the ledge next to the Turk's shoulder is a tortoise, whose presence provides the key to the painting's subject.

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Author: MOLA, Pier Francesco Title: Allegory of the Phlegmatic Temperament Time-line: 1601-1650 School: Italian Form: painting