Temperance
Vittore Carpaccio
Italian, 1460–1526
Details
Title
Temperance
Artist/Maker
Vittore Carpaccio (Italian, 1460–1526)
Date
ca. 1525
Medium
Oil on wood panel
Dimensions
42 5/8 x 21 5/8 inches
Credit
Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
Accession #
58.35
Location
Currently not on view
This allegorical representation of Temperance is probably part of a quartet of panels illustrating the four Cardinal Virtues—the other three being Prudence, Justice, and Fortitude. Since the Middle Ages women have personified the Virtues and remain easily identifiable by attributes. Here Temperance carefully pours liquid from one vessel into another, presumably diluting wine with water to suggest moderation.