The Virtues

Our world often likes to classify virtues or character traits as male or female, with men taking the stronger, leadership-oriented characteristics. However, when the seven Virtues were commissioned for the Tribunale di Mercatanzia, or guild court, in Piazza della Signoria (along with Virtue portraits in other places), they were always depicted as women! Women portrayed the Virtues of Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence, Charity, Hope, and Faith.

As I read through the descriptions of each Virtue (included in the captions), I found it interesting that these women depicted the very things often used against women in leadership. We are told that we do not have the mental and emotional strength to face difficulties, yet here is Fortitude wearing her armor and gown while holding a baton of command! We are told that we are too emotional and irrational for leadership, yet here is Temperance exercising moderation and control. We are told that only men can represent Christ and the priesthood, yet here is Faith holding the crucifix and the chalice of the Eucharist! We are told we have poor judgment, yet here is Prudence checking her six while grasping a snake. And we are told that we are just too prone to sin, perpetually carrying the weight of the Fall on our shoulders, yet here is Justice demonstrating righteousness with a sword in her hand (shall we think of it as the Word of God) and balancing the world on her knee!