Fortitude in profile view walking toward a fire at left and leading a harnessed lion, a landscape in the background 1510 - 1532

Marco Dente created this engraving, "Fortitude," around 1525. The print shows a female figure striding purposefully across the composition. Note how Dente uses line and form to render a complex scene with varying tonal values to create depth and interest. Fortitude is depicted in profile, walking towards a fire on the left side of the image, leading a harnessed lion by her side. This presentation of form and line suggests that the figure is in command. She faces potential destruction and danger represented by the fire, but the lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and courage, is tamed. Consider the structured organization of Dente’s composition. He carefully balances the foreground, midground, and background, each rendered with precise detail. This structural balance suggests a controlled exploration of human morality and the interplay between reason, emotion, and physical strength. The artist emphasizes that true fortitude means facing adversity with calm assurance.