Le 7 Virtù - Theoretical framework behind the artwork, English

Le 7 Virtù

Linnea Moritz

13th of October 2024

In exploring the reimagined The 7 Virtues - Le 7 Virtù, one must first acknowledge its historical context within the Renaissance. Originally commissioned to adorn the Hall of the Palazzo della Signoria (now known as Palazzo Vecchio) in Florence, this monumental series consists of seven tempera-on-wood panels created between 1469 and 1472 by two artists: Sandro Botticelli and Piero del Pollaiolo. Botticelli contributed one painting, Fortitude, while Pollaiolo completed the remaining six virtues: Temperance, Faith, Charity, Hope, Justice, and Prudence.

This project was commissioned by the influential Medici family, who played a pivotal role in the artistic and cultural life of Florence. In a spirited display of artistic rivalry, Pollaiolo successfully contested the original selection made by the Tribunale di Mercanzia, the legal body responsible for overseeing guild disputes and public commissions, advocating for himself as the most qualified artist for the commission. Fortitude was painted by Sandro Botticelli on poplar wood, while the remaining six virtues were executed by Piero del Pollaiolo on cypress wood, a material specifically chosen for its durability and resistance to insects and damp conditions.

The 7 Virtues reflect the civic and moral ideals of Florence during the Renaissance. In the 18th century, the series was transferred to the Galleria degli Uffizi, where it continues to engage viewers with its artistic significance.

I had the opportunity to see these remarkable works firsthand while visiting Florence in January 2024 for my participation in the exhibition In Between Worlds. The exhibition was organized by Dimensions DAO, an Italian-based art collective that supports artists navigating the intersection of traditional art and innovative digital tools. By fostering collaboration among creators exploring new expressions—such as 3D modeling, augmented reality, virtual reality, and utilizing blockchain technology—Dimensions DAO aims to cultivate a vibrant artistic landscape that honors the past while embracing the future. 

At the exhibit, I encountered some of the most creative young Italian artists alongside artists and art enthusiasts who had traveled from abroad. It was a vibrant spectacle, seamlessly blending innovative ideas with a sense of respect for tradition. The atmosphere was electric, featuring captivating digital art displays, immersive virtual reality experiences, and performance art that was both futuristic and exhilarating. Guests enjoyed delicious Italian food and wine while exchanging ideas in lively discussions. I showcased a physical cubist oil painting on an easel, adding a tangible and traditional element to the digital narrative. 

In August 2024, I wanted to create a long horizontal painting and felt inspired to undertake another large piece. The last time I had made a massive painting was in Madrid in November 2023, and it was time for a more ambitious project. When I considered what to paint, the memory of seeing The 7 Virtues in real life came to mind. In creating my rendition of The 7 Virtues, I dedicated four uninterrupted days in my studio to the painting process. This focused time allowed me to delve deeper into my developed technique, in which I dye linen with oil pigments and various chemicals, followed by washing away certain pigments. This method yields a unique and unpredictable outcome, as different pigments dry at varying rates, requiring constant attention throughout the painting process.

This labor-intensive approach demands focus; any distraction could jeopardize the work. My intention for this piece was to evoke a sense of vintage authenticity, reminiscent of classical works. The painting’s quality, especially in the warm glow of sunset or flickering candlelight, invites viewers to experience a feeling akin to being in an ancient chapel. The choice of subdued colors, rather than vibrant hues, was deliberate, aiming to maintain an old-world religious atmosphere reminiscent of the original.

Employing a cubist approach, I aimed to capture each woman and her associated virtue from multiple angles, resulting in a looser representation of forms while preserving the essence of the original motif. Spending days painting these powerful women, who embody both softness and strength, was a very restorative experience for me. Inspired by the original colors, I sought to recreate the hues and emotions of the piece. Engaging in artistic practice has enabled me to cultivate my subconscious, mirroring the notion that just as we are what we eat, so too are we the art we create and consume.

This contemporary reinterpretation was exhibited in the immersive "Glimpses of Eternity" at Lume Studios in New York City. Curated by Sinbad the Sailor for 30 Campos Elíseos. The exhibition featured my work alongside those of other artists, enveloping the space with projections that animated both walls and floors. This environment not only enhanced the visual impact of my painting but also highlighted the dialogue between historical artistry and contemporary expression. In a world often defined by speed and distraction, this exploration of virtue serves as a reminder of the timeless values that continue to shape human experience.

In the context of today’s society, the virtues represented in Pollaiolo’s original work raise pertinent questions about contemporary values. What do Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, and Humility mean in an age where personal and societal ethics are often debated? The virtues embodied by the women in my piece are reflective of both their historical significance and the modern ideals we aspire to, prompting viewers to reconsider their relevance in our current world.

The exhibition in which my piece is displayed further enhances this dialogue, as it juxtaposes my modern rendition against the backdrop of historical works, illuminating the evolution of virtue through artistic expression. By merging old and new, the exhibition invites contemplation on how these enduring ideals can inform and inspire our lives today.

References

Calling Qualified. (n.d.). The Virtues. Retrieved from https://www.callingqualified.org/early-christian-art/the-virtues

Uffizi Galleries. (n.d.). Prudence - Piero del Pollaiolo. Uffizi.it. Retrieved from https://www.uffizi.it/opere/prudenza-piero-pollaiolo