Allegory of Happiness

Allegory of Happiness may be considered as the philosophy of happiness, which derives from virtue, wisdom, and harmony rather than from money and sensual pleasure. As the painting was painted at the end of the Renaissance period, Bronzino made a decision to use allegorical figures as the characters of the painting rather than historical; therefore, the history should be ignored and the concepts should be concentrated on. As the painting belongs to the Mannerist period, the figures of the painting are elongated and well-designed in order to convey the feeling of perfection rather than of reality. Therefore, the happiness in the painting "Allegory of Happiness" is presented not only as the emotional state, but also as the perfect life state. Also, another distinctive characteristic of this painting is that happiness in it is considered something that should be achieved and not owned. Instead of portraying luxuriousness and excesses, allegorical figures in the painting represent the virtues that should be cultivated with efforts and intelligence. Therefore, happiness in this case becomes a product of work of a specific person; hence, happiness does not depend on any changes in the world at all. Moreover, the smooth texture of the painting, lack of any drama and emotionality, and harmony of the composition help to convey the message of the painting as the viewer does not require any emotional response to it but just contemplation and understanding of its allegorical meaning. To conclude, Allegory of Happiness is a portrayal of virtues, wisdom, harmony, and ideal way of living. Using the language of allegories and Mannerism style, Bronzino managed to convey an image of happiness that is a philosophical idea of achieving moral and intellectual perfection.