Kardinale deugden 1717

"Kardinale deugden," meaning "Cardinal Virtues," is a 1717 etching by Dutch artist Bernard Picart. This small-scale work, housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts five figures representing the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, as well as a cherub symbolizing divine inspiration. Picart's detailed lines create a sense of depth and volume, illustrating the virtues' allegorical attributes and emphasizing the importance of these ideals in 18th-century society. This print exemplifies Picart's mastery of etching, capturing the classical themes of virtue through intricate detail and dynamic composition.