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

This engraving is part of the group marked with the letter B, and named Cosmic Principles and the Virtues, comprising 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.

A vertically oriented engraving hand-colored with gold depicts Temperance, a woman in draped robes, standing with downcast eyes. She pours liquid between two vessels, holding one high on our right and the other low on our left. At her feet, a small animal sits near a shallow bowl. A diamond-patterned border frames the composition, which features the inscription "TEMPERANCIA XXIIII 34" across the bottom.

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

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, active 1460s)

Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

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