The cardinal virtue of Fortitude represented by a seated woman, her right hand on a column (possibly a modern impression) 1475 - 1485

This anonymous engraving, created between 1475 and 1485, depicts the cardinal virtue of Fortitude, represented by a seated woman. She is shown in profile, wearing a helmet and a flowing robe. Her right hand rests on a column, a symbol of strength and resilience. The engraving's composition, with its emphasis on the figure and its stark contrasts of light and shadow, is characteristic of the late medieval style. It is a compelling example of the artistic exploration of virtue in the 15th century, demonstrating how abstract concepts were given visual form. The artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistic ingenuity of the era.