The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Temperance (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #34)

Temperance (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #34)

before 1467
(Italian, 15th century)
Catalogue raisonné: Hind E.I. 34a
Location: not on view

Description

This engraving is part of the group marked with the letter “B,” and named Cosmic Principles and the Virtues, which comprises the three Universal principles (Light, Time, and Space) alongside the three theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity) and the four cardinal ones (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice). The latter were regarded as the basic Christian principles required for a virtuous life.

Here personified as a full-length female figure, Temperancia (Temperance) is about to pour the liquid contained in the pitcher she is holding with her left hand into another vessel held in her right hand. Next to her, on the left corner, is an ermine or a weasel, looking at his own reflection in a small round mirror.
  • {{cite web|title=Temperance (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #34)|url=false|author=Master of the E-Series Tarocchi|year=before 1467|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1924.432.34