Who painted Fortitude?

Fortitude was painted by Philip Galle in 1559.

Where can I see Fortitude?

Fortitude is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Fortitude?

Fortitude is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Fortitude

Philip Galle , 1559

Fortitude 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.

About this work

Overview

Philip Galle’s 1559 engraving titled *Fortitude* presents a densely populated battlefield where a composed female figure stands centrally beneath expansive wings. She holds a pole while surrounding combatants clash, horses rear, and structures burn, creating a vivid tableau of turmoil juxtaposed with serene resolve.

Subject & Meaning

The central woman, inscribed with the Latin term *Fortitudo*, appears to embody the virtue of fortitude, suggesting that true strength lies in mastering anger and other vices. The surrounding chaos—swords, fallen weapons, scattered books and tools—reinforces the contrast between inner calm and external disorder.

Technique & Style

Executed as a copper engraving, the work showcases Galle’s precise line work and intricate cross‑hatching, typical of mid‑16th‑century reproductive prints. The fine detailing of miniature figures and architectural fragments demonstrates the artist’s skill in rendering complex scenes within the limits of the print medium.

History & Provenance

Philip Galle, a prominent Dutch publisher and engraver, produced *Fortitude* as part of his broader output of reproductions that circulated images of contemporary and earlier masters. The print likely served both as a didactic illustration of moral virtue and as a commercial product for a European market interested in allegorical imagery.

Context

Created during a period when printed images were primary vehicles for disseminating artistic ideas, the engraving reflects the 16th‑century demand for moralizing subjects. Galle’s dual role as designer and engraver allowed him to shape the visual narrative directly, contributing to the spread of allegorical motifs across the continent.

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.