The Seven Virtues in a Roundel, with Faith at the Center 1550 - 1581

Editor: This drawing by Jan Collaert I, "The Seven Virtues in a Roundel, with Faith at the Center," made sometime between 1550 and 1581 using ink, watercolor and paper. The circular composition and muted blues give it such a dreamy quality, almost like looking at something underwater. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Immediately I see the social encoding of virtue. The choice of drawing and printmaking—replicable media—suggests a wider distribution, potentially reaching beyond elite circles. Who had access to these images, and how were they used in the construction of social and moral values? Editor: So, you're interested in who this artwork was made for? Curator: Exactly. The means of production is so important. Look at the labor involved in creating these prints, and how that labor differs across social classes. Were these mass-produced, or carefully crafted for a specific patron? And the choice of virtues represented. It suggests a very particular understanding of the time; an era that places incredible value on Faith and attributes that go hand-in-hand, such as Justice and Charity, that dictate social conduct. Editor: I see. The virtues chosen reflect the concerns of that particular society and the labor to create them might tell a very different story for different audiences. It’s not just about what's depicted, but *how* it was depicted. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the printmaking process allows for dissemination and therefore standardization of values. Also the symbolism surrounding the work in terms of what those virtuous actions might yield in tangible forms for the artists of the piece. These factors change the interpretation and highlight a deep intersection of labor, morality, and consumption. Editor: I've definitely got a lot more to think about regarding materiality and social context! It goes so much beyond identifying symbols. Curator: Indeed. It's about how the artwork functions within its world.