HeraclesChoice2.0010

Giovanni De Min (1786-1859), "Eracle al Bivio" 1812, oil on canvas, 225 x 162 cm, Venice, Accademia di Belle Arti, catalogue 1133.

De Min adapts in this large ceiling painting the narrative attributed to Prodicus of Athens, and ancient philosopher Xenophon. According to Prodicus' story (told in Xen. Mem. 2.1.21-34) Heracles found himself in his youthful adulthood at a cross-roads. Two women appeared to him — Virtue and Vice (Pleasure) are typically presented as allegorical figures — and each tried to entice the potential hero to follow her path. By choosing Virtue's path, the hero willingly engages the hard path through life.
De Min simplifies the narrative from the hero's encounter with allegorical figures to the two goddesses whose provinces apply to fortitude and to pleasure, Athena and Aphrodite respectively.

Popular tale in both previous and subsequent generations, as well: Poussin, Benvenuti, Handel, etc.