winged figure in rear 3/4 view with windblown garment holding a large ewer in PL hand, and another object in PR hand to PR shoulder; large ball by feet; stone blocks at R

Temperance, From Cognition and the Seven Virtues, Plate 8, 1539

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Temperance is known by her two pitchers, which she uses to dilute wine with water. She personifies restraint or the middle way, as suggested by her position between a sphere and a cube. Saint Thomas Aquinas preached that the cardinal virtues (Temperance, Justice, Prudence, and Fortitude) were crucial to Christian salvation—a preoccupation of Protestant reformers. Temperance is sometimes paired with Lust, her opposite. In a strange way, the figure’s clinging dress and loose shoulder strap evoke the desires she urges people to keep in check.

Details
Title
Temperance, From Cognition and the Seven Virtues, Plate 8
Artist Life
1500–1550
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.135
Provenance
D'Arenberg Collection, Lugt 567, Brussels and Nord-Kirchen. John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 138 apparently ii/iii (part of print seems to be missing); Bartsch 136 (vol. 8, p. 167)
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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winged figure in rear 3/4 view with windblown garment holding a large ewer in PL hand, and another object in PR hand to PR shoulder; large ball by feet; stone blocks at R