Replica of Virtue Battling Vice, Strasbourg Cathedral (late 13th century)

Editor: This is a replica of Virtue Battling Vice from the Strasbourg Cathedral, dating back to the late 13th century. They have such a commanding presence. What do the symbols mean to you in this work? Curator: Notice how Virtue is often depicted with specific attributes – a spear, shield, or crown. These aren't just decorative; they are loaded with meaning. Consider the spear: what does it represent in this context? Editor: Power, authority, or triumph perhaps? Curator: Precisely. And the defeated Vice beneath her feet? It's a potent visual metaphor. Does this imagery resonate with you, considering contemporary ideas about morality? Editor: It's interesting how the symbols carry meaning across time. Curator: Indeed. It reveals our continued struggle to define and embody virtue.