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The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Hope - Spes is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

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Artwork

The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Hope - Spes

Sebald Beham , 1535

The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Hope - Spes is a print by Sebald Beham. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1950.471.6
Credit line: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection

About this work

Overview

Created around 1535 by Hans Sebald Beham, a prominent German printmaker of the early 16th century, The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Hope - Spes is an etching exemplifying the artist's mastery of intricate, small-scale works.

Subject & Meaning

This etching represents Hope (Spes in Latin), one of the seven cardinal virtues, allegorically illustrating the interplay between divine knowledge and human morality. The scene contrasts a winged, radiant figure of Hope with a distressed mortal, symbolizing the virtue's uplifting role.

Technique & Style

Beham employed sharp lines and expressive shading to create a dramatic effect, characteristic of his detailed engraving style. The composition includes symbolic elements: a horn emitting rays (Hope), a wheel with rope, and a bowl, all rendered with the precision for which the 'Little Masters' were known.

History & Provenance

Produced during Beham's active period in Nuremberg and later Frankfurt, the etching's specific provenance details are not provided here, reflecting the broader output of a prolific artist.

Context

Part of a series on the seven cardinal virtues, this work situates itself within 16th-century European religious and moral discourse, using allegory to convey theological themes to a broad audience.

Legacy

As part of Beham's extensive oeuvre, Hope - Spes contributes to the enduring legacy of the 'Little Masters,' influencing subsequent generations of printmakers with its technical proficiency and thematic depth.