Prudence, Love and Beauty 1782

"Prudence and Beauty" is a stipple engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi, created in 1782, and currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The engraving depicts the allegorical struggle between Prudence, depicted as a figure in Roman armor, and Beauty, a nude female figure, as Cupid urges Beauty towards Love, who is not depicted. Bartolozzi’s prints were extremely popular in the late 18th century, and this image is a good example of the artist’s highly detailed and elegant style.