Diligence, from "Virtues and Vices" 1549

Heinrich Aldegrever's 1549 engraving "Diligence," from the series "Virtues and Vices," depicts a winged female figure holding a staff and a flowing ribbon, personifying the virtue of diligence. The figure's strong stance, with one foot firmly placed on a stone, emphasizes her resoluteness and focus. The detailed rendering of her clothing and the landscape in the background highlight Aldegrever's mastery of the engraving technique, which was popular in 16th-century Germany. The work's small size (7 x 4.9 cm) and the use of delicate lines contribute to its intimate and detailed aesthetic. "Diligence" is part of a larger series of engravings that explore the themes of virtue and vice. This work is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.