Antique fireback four cardinal virtues, late 17th century

Antique fireback four cardinal virtues, late 17th century

The four women standing on either side of the Medallion symbolize the cardinal virtues (from left to right):

The Force, leaning on a column.
Justice, holding a sword.
Moderation, pouring from a carafe / filling a glass.
Caution: holding a mirror and a snake.

In the center of the Medallion: a woman (faith) leaning on an anchor (hope) and holding a burning heart (charity). The veil covering her face means that no one can behold the divine splendor.

Dates between 1668 and 1735

high 101 x wide 90 cm

A comparable fireback is depicted in: Henri de Carpentier, Placques de Cheminées, F. de Nobele, Paris 1967, p. 100.