Where can I see The Knowledge of God and the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Hope - Spes?

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

Artwork

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

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.

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.