c. 1523-1530

Charity

German, active 1520s - 1530

Charity is one of seven Christian virtues personified in this series, which were often represented in medieval wall paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Embodiments of abstract concepts, personifications usually took the form of female figures, each identified by specific attributes such as Faith's chalice and cross, Fortitude's lion, and the sword and scales of Justice. Here the variety of poses demonstrates the artist's newly acquired skill in depicting the nude. Series of small engravings-the senses, the virtues, the gods-appealed to collectors who enjoyed deciphering the symbols and marveling over such minute details as the towns and houses depicted in the background.