Temperance

Temperance

Philip Galle

1559

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This crowded scene shows a mix of people busy with different tasks. In the center stands a woman holding a globe, surrounded by scholars, builders, and musicians. Some are reading, others are drawing, and a few are playing instruments. The background has a large dome and a tower with a clock, while the sky above is filled with stars. The woman in the middle is labeled *Temperance*, a word that means balance or moderation. This image packs in lots of activity, showing how different skills and knowledge fit together. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Galle carved these detailed lines.

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