Pendentief met Temperantia 1649 - 1734

This etching of Temperantia was made by Louis de Châtillon. We see symbols of restraint and balance, the scales and the bridle. The figure of Temperance isn't merely a virtue; she is an active force, taming beasts both literal and metaphorical. Note the unicorn: a symbol of purity and grace, yet also wildness, being soothed by a maiden. This taming of the wild spirit evokes the ancient motif of the "Master of Animals" that appears across cultures, from Mesopotamia to Greece. In these earlier depictions, the figure, often a hero or deity, subdues wild beasts, demonstrating power over nature's untamed forces. Here, the maiden’s gentle touch is the civilizing force, a potent symbol of emotional control and the subjugation of primal instincts. The composition evokes a deep, subconscious resonance, recalling collective memories of humanity's struggle to balance instinct and reason. This image acts as a mirror, reflecting our own internal battles and aspirations for equilibrium, playing out through the ages.