Artwork
The Three Theological Virtures: Faith, Hope, and Charity, Surrounded by the Four Evangelists
The Three Theological Virtures: Faith, Hope, and Charity, Surrounded by the Four Evangelists is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Pieter I de Jode. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The drawing serves as a preparatory layout for the title page of the 1639 edition of the *Theatrum Biblicum*, a illustrated biblical compendium. It arranges the three theological virtues—Faith, Hope and Charity—on a cloud‑filled space, each bearing their traditional emblem, and surrounds them with the four Evangelists, identified by their customary symbols and books.
Subject & Meaning
Faith is shown holding a cross, Hope an anchor, and Charity a heart, visually encoding their doctrinal significance. The surrounding figures represent the authors of the Gospels, each accompanied by their attribute, thereby linking the virtues to the scriptural foundations of Christian teaching.
Technique & Style
Executed in bold, linear drawing, the composition emphasizes clear contours suitable for translation into an engraved frontispiece. The use of strong outlines and contrasting masses anticipates the chiaroscuro effect that would later give the printed image depth and visual impact.
History & Provenance
Created by Pieter De Jode the Elder, a prolific printmaker active in Antwerp’s thriving book market of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the design was intended to receive textual inscription on the blank plinth beneath Charity in the printed edition.
Context
The *Theatrum Biblicum* gathered illustrations from multiple artists to present a visual Bible. De Jode’s frontispiece design reflects the period’s practice of integrating allegorical figures with biblical narratives, reinforcing theological concepts for readers of the newly printed New Testament.
Artist & collection
Artist
Petrus, or Pieter de Jode I or Pieter de Jode the Elder (1570 – 9 August 1634), was a Flemish printmaker, draughtsman, publisher and painter principally active in Antwerp.
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