Voorzichtigheid (Prudentia) 1587 - 1637

This engraving of Prudentia, or Prudence, was created by an anonymous artist in the Netherlands. The print visualizes a virtue, prudence, through symbolic references. We see a woman with two faces, signifying the ability to look to both the past and the future. A snake coils around her arm, embodying wisdom. The image speaks to the social values of its time, advocating for careful consideration and foresight. Prints like this weren't just aesthetic objects; they were tools for moral instruction. They circulated widely, shaping cultural norms and reinforcing societal expectations. The Rijksmuseum's collection allows us to trace the institutional history of art, revealing how images like this were collected, interpreted, and displayed over centuries. Understanding this print requires us to look beyond its surface. By researching the social and intellectual history of the Netherlands, we can better grasp the cultural meanings embedded within this image and understand how it functioned in its original context.