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Vittore Carpaccio
Italian, ca. 1460-ca. 1526

Prudence, 1525
Oil on panel

Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958.36

In these two paintings, female figures represent
the cardinal virtues of temperance and prudence
through their gestures and attributes. Temperance
carefully pours liquid from one vessel to another,
probably diluting wine as a symbol of moderation,
while Prudence holds a mirror, which serves as a
reminder of the dangers of vanity.