Truth
This first painting in the series devoted to the virtues depicts a woman dropping her veil and mask. She symbolises the decisions of authority, which must be transparent.
Wisdom
A woman wearing a crown of laurels is sitting on a throne, holding two large folios in her hands. She reminds the members of parliament that the work of their predecessors must not be forgotten.
Patriotism
Here an angel carries a Swiss flag while three little putti represent the traditional federal festivals (singing, gymnastics and shooting). It was through these national festivals that the Swiss cross was adopted and became the symbol of the nation.
Prosperity
In this panel a woman surrounded by poppies and sunbeams holds a horn of plenty overflowing with fruit and flowers, as well as an olive branch symbolising peace. She represents the prosperity that the federal state is obliged to provide for its citizens.
Charity
This fresco consists of a woman sitting among ruins, surrounded by corpses. A wounded figure is clinging on to a Red Cross flag, symbolising charity.
Justice
A woman sitting among the clouds holds the symbols of justice in her hands: the scales and the sword, which decides fairly.
The “Salle des pas perdus”
When the chambers are sitting the “Salle des pas perdus” is where members, lobbyists and journalists meet.
