Who painted The Seven Virtues: Love?

The Seven Virtues: Love was painted by Hans Burgkmair the Elder in 1510.

Where can I see The Seven Virtues: Love?

The Seven Virtues: Love is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Seven Virtues: Love?

The Seven Virtues: Love is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Seven Virtues: Love

Hans Burgkmair the Elder , 1510

The Seven Virtues: Love is a print by the Renaissance artist Hans Burgkmair the Elder. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1510 by the German printmaker Hans Burgkmair, *The Seven Virtues: Love* is a monochrome woodcut held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The image forms part of a series that personifies each of the seven Christian virtues, with this particular sheet illustrating the concept of love.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a female personification clutching an infant in one arm while guiding a small child with the other hand. She is draped in a flowing robe and a mantle, her hair concealed, and she bears a scroll or branch. The accompanying German caption, *Die Liebe*, identifies her as the embodiment of love, emphasizing familial care and nurturing.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black‑and‑white woodcut, the work displays the crisp line work and strong contrasts typical of early sixteenth‑century German printmaking. Burgkmair’s handling of the figures and drapery reflects the influence of late Gothic ornamentation while anticipating the more naturalistic tendencies that would later characterize Renaissance prints.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during Burgkmair’s early career, a period when he was establishing his reputation for innovative woodcuts. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, where it remains part of the museum’s European prints and drawings collection, accessible for scholarly study and public exhibition.