The cardinal virtue of Temperance represented by a seated woman pouring wine(?) from one jug into another (possibly a modern impression) 1475 - 1485

This anonymous print at the Metropolitan Museum of Art depicts the cardinal virtue of Temperance, represented by a seated woman carefully pouring liquid from one jug into another. The imagery of Temperance as a female figure embodies the historical association of women with virtues of moderation and self-control. This connects to broader social expectations and gender roles, where women were often seen as guardians of morality and domestic order. The act of pouring liquid suggests balance and restraint. Temperance, here, isn't about denial, but the careful management of resources. It reminds us that virtues are not just abstract ideas, they are deeply intertwined with questions of identity, societal roles, and personal discipline. How can we apply our own sense of balance, and how can we find it, even when forces pull us in different directions?