The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude - Fortitudo
1535
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1535
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows a muscular woman with wings, leaning on a tall column. She’s half-draped in flowing fabric, holding a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. At the base of the column, a lion’s head peeks out, and the word "FORTITVDO" is carved into the stone. The woman looks like a symbol for strength—her pose and tools suggest courage. The lion adds a fierce touch, tying her to power. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow like this.
