Hercules between Virtue and Voluptuousness - Annibal Carracci

On the left, Minerva shows a hesitant Hercules the steep path to glory, at the top of which caracolates Pegasus, the winged horse that struck the ground with its hoof, bringing forth the Hippocrene fountain of poetic inspiration: Pegasus was also the emblem of the Farnese family, for whom Carracci painted this canvas. At Minerva's feet, a god opens the book of History. Behind, a dead tree stump shows that the right path is barren, and first crosses barren ground.
On the right, Venus from behind, half undressed, displays her charms before Hercules. On a table beside her, the mask of the theater, a musical score, a tambourine and a violin. She sows flowers, but in front of her the lush forest leaves no room for a path.