Lot 388
388
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A PAIR OF ENGLISH PAINTED DEEP-RELIEF CARYATIDS

LATE 16TH EARLY 17TH CENTURY

Details
A PAIR OF ENGLISH PAINTED DEEP-RELIEF CARYATIDS
LATE 16TH EARLY 17TH CENTURY
Allegorical of Prudence and Temperance with paint and gilt decoration on later oval bases
taller 32 in. (81 cm.) including base (2)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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Lot Essay

Prudence and Temperance are two of the four Cardinal Virtues, the others being Justice and Fortitude. Used in architectural features such as mantelpieces and panelling, the four Virtues were often incorporated in funerary sculpture. Prudence is represented by a hand-mirror and a serpent, and Temperance by two jugs in which she mixes wine and water. St Augustine described the virtues 'Temperance is love giving itself entirely to that which is loved; Prudence is love distinguishing with sagacity between what hinders it and what helps it'

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