1539
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Prudencia (Prudence) is a 1539 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a winged figure holding a round mirror up to her face. She’s dressed in flowing robes, kneeling on a textured ground. A sword leans against a cloth beside her, and the word "PRUDENCIA" is written vertically on the right. The mirror and sword together hint at a deeper meaning—this isn’t just a person, but a symbol. The artist used fine lines and shading to give the figure depth, even though it’s black and white. Want to see how this kind of detail works? Try looking at engraving.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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