Prudence 1545 - 1565

Etienne Delaune crafted this pendant, “Prudence,” from gold, enamel, gems, and pearl sometime in the 16th century. As a printmaker and goldsmith, Delaune navigated the religious and political upheavals of the French Wars of Religion. Here, he offers us a glimpse into the visual strategies of power. Prudence, a virtue often associated with wisdom and foresight, is embodied by a woman. She holds a mirror, symbolizing self-awareness, while a snake coils around her arm, a symbol of knowledge and, sometimes, deceit. The choice of a female figure for prudence speaks to the gendered expectations of the time. Women were often seen as guardians of morality. The precious materials—gold, gems, and pearl—underscore the value placed on this virtue, particularly within the ruling classes. How might the figure of Prudence guide us in our own reflections on power, knowledge, and the self?