Called by Ferdinando VI in 1753 to the Spanish court, Giaquinto would spend nearly a decade in Spain, where he was named first painter to the king and director of the Madrid academy. Engaged in many large-scale decorative projects, Giaquinto left behind a sizeable body of preparatory studies. This sketch is a study for a painting for the Royal Palace, Madrid. The allegory alludes to Ferdinando’s just, prosperous, and peaceful reign. Clad in luminous pink and white, Peace holds an olive branch in her hand, while her companion, Justice, is seated above a sword and scales. The dead youth refers to the resolution of the War of Succession waged under the king’s father, Felipe V.

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