Sanguine Temperament c. 1530 - 1562

Editor: So, this is Virgil Solis's "Sanguine Temperament," an engraving from around the mid-16th century. It feels...almost dreamlike, floating on clouds. There's a lot going on, visually. What do you see in this piece, in terms of what it might signify? Curator: The key is in the symbols, isn’t it? "Sanguine," refers to one of the four temperaments, connected with blood, air, and spring. Traditionally, the sanguine personality is cheerful, optimistic, musical – reflected in the figure holding a musical score. Note the horse beside her – a symbol of vitality and, unrestrained energy, linked to this temperament. Editor: Oh, I see! So, she's literally embodying a certain type of personality? Curator: Exactly! The peacock too…a vanity symbol – an allusion to a confident outward disposition that links into cultural memory. Consider the setting of the artwork. Does this idyllic scene suggest something about inner life versus the real world, where such idealized representations do not match people? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way, about it suggesting a detachment from everyday reality. Is that fairly typical of how these temperaments were portrayed at the time? Curator: Often. Though with a sharp symbolic bent as we are seeing. The symbolism works in combination with composition and other components of the artistic intention to depict human character and the social ideals of the day. The cultural significance is tied directly to the chosen imagery – it’s a visual language for understanding psychology and behavior. Does that connection become a bit clearer now? Editor: It does. It’s interesting how the symbols create such a layered portrait. I initially saw it as decorative, but now I realize how much more is actually being communicated. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Paying attention to historical symbols allows one to more deeply interpret a huge portion of artwork.