Who painted Temperance?

Temperance was painted by Philip Galle in 1559.

Where can I see Temperance?

Temperance is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Temperance?

Temperance is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Temperance?

Museum-quality prints of Temperance are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Temperance

Philip Galle , 1559

Temperance is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1559 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center, on the hem of the central figure's clothes, in plate: TEMPERANTIA (Temperance); lower right, in image, in plate: BRVEGEL; lower margin, in plate: VIDENDVM, VT NEC VOLVPTATI DEDITI PRODIGI ET LVXVRIOSI / APPAREAMVS, NEC AVARA TENACITATE SORDIDI AVT OBSCVRI EXISTAMVS (We must look to it that, in the devotion to sensual pleasures, we do not become wasteful and luxuriant, but also that we do not, because of miserly greed, live in filth and ignorance) [translation from Nadine Orenstein, ed., Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Drawings and Prints. Exhibition catalogue. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2001, p. 191.]

About this work

Overview

Temperance is a 1559 engraving by Dutch publisher, engraver, and designer Philip Galle. It belongs to a series of reproductive prints after earlier masters, reflecting the 16th century’s interest in moral allegories through printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a bustling scene centered around a woman labeled Temperance, symbolizing balance and moderation. Surrounding her are scholars, builders, musicians, and others engaged in various activities, illustrating the harmony of diverse pursuits.

Technique & Style

As an engraving, Temperance showcases Galle’s skill in translating painted compositions into intricate, detailed prints. The crowded composition, with its mix of architectural elements (dome, tower with clock) and celestial background (stars), demonstrates the medium’s capacity for complexity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1559, Temperance is part of Galle’s output of reproductive prints, aimed at broadening the circulation of masterworks. The original masterwork it reproduces is not specified here, but the engraving itself is a product of Galle’s prolific publishing practice.

Context

Temperance reflects the 16th century’s engagement with moral allegories and the growing demand for widely distributable art forms. Printmaking, particularly engraving, played a crucial role in disseminating such themes and artworks to a broader audience.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of Temperance are not detailed, as a work by Galle, it contributes to the broader legacy of 16th-century Dutch printmaking and the dissemination of moral allegories during the period.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Philip Galle

Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.