The Wheel of Fortune

The iconography of this small relief was widespread in the Middle ages; it represents Fortune who with her continuous rotation lifts up or casts down the fates of men. The most noteworthy example of the subject in Verona is the wheel (the rose window) in the facade of the basilica of San Zeno, carved by Brioloto in the early years of the 13th century. In this relief we see a wheel with eight spokes and inside the figure of Fortune giving it a fast spin. On the outside are four tiny figures: one who was seated on top has fallen off, a second seated astride falls backward, a third hangs onto the rim by his arms, while the fourth moves upwards, holding on with all his might.