Fifteen virtues c. 1529

Curator: This is a fascinating print, titled "Fifteen Virtues," by an anonymous artist, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: My initial thought is: intensely organized. It feels almost like a visual table of contents, with each virtue neatly compartmentalized. Curator: Indeed. The print presents fifteen personifications of virtues or academic disciplines, each labeled above their arched niche. They are organized in tiers like a hierarchy. We can interpret it through the lens of medieval pedagogy. Editor: The allegorical representations are quite striking. Arithmetic, for instance, with her calculating hands and Geometry, holding a compass. There's such a human element in these symbolic figures. Curator: Precisely, these figures aren't just abstract ideas; they represent the embodiment of knowledge and virtue, reflecting the social and intellectual values of its time. Editor: It makes me wonder about the artist's perspective and the intended audience. What message were they hoping to convey with this intricate arrangement of virtues? Curator: I see it as a visual articulation of the ideal scholarly life, one devoted to mastering both intellectual and moral virtues within the framework of the time. Editor: It's a little like a map to enlightenment. It's amazing how art can reflect the aspirations of an entire era.