Charity, from the series "The Seven Virtues (seated, small, and round)" c. early 20th century

Curator: This intriguing bronze roundel, entitled "Charity," forms part of the series "The Seven Virtues (seated, small, and round)." Editor: It's incredibly tactile; I immediately want to touch the surface! It has a weighty, somber feel for such a small object. Curator: Precisely! Consider the material itself—bronze. It would have been a valuable commodity, suggesting a specific patronage or function within a particular social structure. Editor: Yes, the choice of material elevates it beyond mere decoration. Given its subject, do you think these "virtues" might have had a political purpose? How were they viewed and used in this society? Curator: That's a pertinent question, especially considering the historical context surrounding artistic patronage and moral instruction. Editor: It makes me wonder about the lives of the artisans who molded this bronze, their labor, and the system that commissioned this work. Curator: A humble token, perhaps, but still a product of complex social forces. Editor: Exactly, and viewing it this way allows us to better understand its enduring appeal and power.