Fortune is generally considered an accomplishment, whereas greed is clearly a human flaw. I will discuss both as represented in art.

Fortune is wealth, status, power, and currency.

Fortuna is the Roman goddess of fortune and luck. She was symbolized by the "Wheel of Fortune."

Albrecht Durer's engraving "Nemesis (Great Fortune)" (1502) shows the Roman goddess Fortuna unsteady on a sphere, showing how fortune can be unpredictable.

Greed is the selfish desire for possessions and wealth. It can be seen as a form of worship, replacing God with the material.

Gold in ancient Egypt was linked to the sun god (Ra), representing immortality and eternal life.

The "Mask of Tutankhamun" (1323 BCE) is a 22.5 pound gold funerary mask buried with the boy king.

Gold is a luxury item that is universally recognized for its durability as it is the only metal that doesn't rust, tarnish, or deteriorate.

Gold is in limited quantity and difficult to extract. Thus the statement originating from ancient Rome, something or someone being "worth its weight in gold."

"Streets are paved with gold" was a saying originating in the 19th century, and used by those immigrating to the United States, believing it would provide them with an opportunity to escape poverty.

Caravaggio's "The Fortune Teller" (1594) tells the story of a gypsy girl (defined by her wardrobe) removing a ring from the young man.

Georges de la Tour's “The Fortune Teller” (1620-1639) tells a similar story of a fortune teller and her female accomplice who steals from the client.

An etching and engraving "Greed Tries Either to Overtake or to Outrun Fortune" (1720) artist anonymous. This and the Durer can be seen at the New York Public Library.

There are three (3) confirmed royal portraits of Queen Elizabeth I, by different hands, known as "The Armada Portrait" (1588). The queen wears 800+ pearls around her neck, on her hair and dress.

A painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud, "Louis XIV" (1701) AKA "Sun King" or "le Roi Soleil" is dressed in luxurious textiles – from his coronation robe and black and white ermine to his jeweled royal sword, the king exudes power and wealth.

The painting "Marie Antoinette" (1775) by Jean-Baptiste-Andre-Gautier Dagoty was commissioned by the queen. The bodice of the dress and her wig are bejeweled with pearls; her blue robe trimmed in ermine.

The painting "Napoleon on His Imperial Throne" (1866) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres Demonstrates opulence from his coronation robe with an Ironman collar, gilded throne, gold and bejeweled chain, and encrusted sword.

In the 21st century, wealth is no longer measured by the number of millionaires, but billionaires.

Some status symbols remain -designer brands in clothing and accessories, luxury cars, yachts, homes, and art. Consumerism is Now and will remain a part of our daily lives.