An Allegory of Chastity 1600 - 1675

Hans Ulrich Franck’s Allegory of Chastity presents us with a circular emblem of virtue, rendered in ink and wash. The woman, assumed to be a personification of chastity, stands with a branch in one hand and the other resting on a crane. The crane, a symbol of vigilance and order, has been associated with chastity since antiquity, often appearing in Roman emblems and Renaissance allegories. Observe how the crane’s upright posture mirrors the figure's virtue. This motif echoes in other contexts, like medieval tapestries where noble ladies are often shown with loyal animals, symbolizing their moral qualities. Yet, the sword suggests a readiness to defend her virtue. The enduring power of such symbols speaks to a deep, subconscious desire for moral order and constancy, continually resurfacing in art across centuries. The symbol of the crane, with its vigilant gaze, has evolved, appearing in modern corporate logos as a sign of diligence, revealing the cyclical progression of symbols as they adapt to the ever-changing cultural landscape.