Pendentief met Prudentia 1649 - 1734

Louis de Châtillon created this print of Prudentia, or Prudence, an allegorical figure, embodying wisdom and foresight. She sits atop a winged figure with an hourglass, symbols of time. Prudence carries a mirror and a serpent-entwined staff. The mirror symbolizes self-awareness and the ability to reflect on one's actions, an ancient tool of introspection. Meanwhile, the serpent embodies wisdom and caution. The symbolism of the serpent traces back to ancient Greece, where it was associated with medicine and healing. The motif of the serpent-entwined staff has resurfaced throughout history in myriad forms—from the caduceus, used by Hermes, to the Rod of Asclepius, emblem of medicine. Though the context shifts, the emotional and psychological essence—the power of healing, the duality of life and death—remains a potent force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, Prudence isn’t just a figure in a static print. She represents the cyclical progression of these symbols, a testament to how they evolve and resurface, taking on new meanings across cultures and eras.