1991

Virtue Triumphs (When The Devil Sleeps)

American, born 1961

Schaechter was inspired by “one of her least favorite works of art”—Allegory with Venus and Cupid (circa 1545) by Italian Renaissance painter Bronzino—in her choice of subject for this print. Bronzino’s famous image explores the tensions between the virtues of love and the vices of jealousy and deceit in an erudite presentation with erotic undertones. Schaechter responded with an intentionally anti-titillating scene in which the figures engage in decadent activities—some in poses quoted from the painting—and look exhausted rather than seductive and enticing. The awakening of the devil in the background makes it clear that virtue will not triumph here.