In the Circle of Michelangelo Buonarroti, many painters created their own renditions of a title called “Allegory of Fortune.” It’s believed to have been inspired by a drawing from Michelangelo that was long since lost. Only the various interpretations of it that followed are to be found now.

Today (Nov. 2, 2025) we attempted to recreate this image, underwater of course, with a slight twist. Taking a cue from the original, Jill posed over a bicycle wheel, with wings, a sash, a broken chain in one hand and a tool in the other. I want to amplify that this image was especially at Jill’s imagination. She saw the painting, had the inspiration and fully executed on pulling this one together. In fact, we got this shot in what would be the final couple of minutes of a bigger shoot. Jill exited the water, got the pieces together, came back in, and we more-or-less rushed. This is unheard of for us. We try to rush nothing. And the pieces for this shot were by far the most technical to make work. Everything in this image was trying to drown her! The wings, the sash, the wheel and the tools. It was a feat just to get enough air to hold the pose for a moment.

Fortune did in fact, favor us.

Why the bicycle theme? This image is to support a local bicycle shop in Tacoma called “Second Cycle.” A shop that helps people get connected with bikes and service, for fun and transportation. The image will be framed, signed and donated to the Second Cycle Annual Fundraiser auction next week.

Allegory of Fortune

A Collaboration of a Collaboration

DEAN BURKE ART