RAFFAELLO Sanzio (b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma) The Cardinal Virtues 1511 Fresco, width at the base 660 cm Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican The lunette containing the Cardinal Virtues (which represent "Good ") is built around an allegorical theme. The volumetric modelling of the figures suggests the influence of Michelangelo. The relationship that binds the three figures together is clear and harmonic. Fortitude, dressed in armor, sits in the shade of an oak tree. Prudence is placed on the highest step of the base. She has two faces: one of a young woman who looks at her
RAFFAELLO Sanzio (b. 1483, Urbino, d. 1520, Roma) The Cardinal Virtues 1511 Fresco, width at the base 660 cm Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican The lunette containing the Cardinal Virtues (which represent "Good ") is built around an allegorical theme. The volumetric modelling of the figures suggests the influence of Michelangelo. The relationship that binds the three figures together is clear and harmonic. Fortitude, dressed in armor, sits in the shade of an oak tree. Prudence is placed on the highest step of the base. She has two faces: one of a young woman who looks at her reflection in a mirror handed to her by a winged putto; the other, of an old man, the symbol of old age, of which prudence is the chief quality. Finally, Temperance is represented holding a pair of reins. The allegory was intended to include the figure of Justice as well. But Justice, being considered superior to the other virtues from a hierarchical point of view, is represented separately in one of the medallions of the vault. Three winged genii symbolize the theological virtues (Charity, gathering the fruits of the oak; Hope, in the centre with a flaming torch; and Faith, at the extreme right, pointing toward the sky). Two additional putti complete the composition, giving the whole scene a free and graceful movement. --- Keywords: -------------- Author: RAFFAELLO Sanzio Title: The Cardinal Virtues Time-line: 1501-1550 School: Italian Form: painting Type: religious
Size: 3060px × 1980px
Photo credit: © Carlo Bollo / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: artwork, fresco, paint, painter, painting, paintings, raphael, room, rooms, vatican
