Modesty and Vanity 

This is an engraving titled "Modesty and Vanity" by Giovanni Battista Piranesi who lived in the 18th century. The work reflects the era's complex relationship with religious and moral themes. Piranesi uses the biblical scene of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple to explore modesty and vanity through the characters' poses, expressions, and clothing. How do the somber expressions of the women contrast with the innocence of the child, held aloft? Consider the ways in which modesty, historically associated with women, and vanity, often seen as a superficial concern, are portrayed here. Through this lens, Piranesi’s print opens a dialogue about societal expectations and gendered virtues. It invites us to reflect on how these themes have shaped not only historical interpretations of religious narratives, but also our contemporary understanding of identity and morality.