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Charity

Date
16th century
Material
Alabaster
made in
Belgium, Europe
Current Location
On View, Gallery 236
Dimensions
24 x 11 13/16 x 7 1/16 in. (61 x 30 x 18 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
64:1928
NOTES
Following the Renaissance convention for representing the virtue of Charity, this artist has presented a beautiful young woman who feeds one child and guides the other. Intricately carved with fine details such as curly hair, delicate facial features, and elegantly folded drapery, this figure is a wonderful example of sculpture produced in the southern Netherlands.

Models of Charity such as this served as an example for moral Christian behavior, selflessly giving to others in need. Charity was one of three theological virtues, along with Faith and Hope, endorsed by the Church.
- 1928
Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., New York, NY

1928 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. [1]


Notes:
[1] Invoice from Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. dated April 21, 1928 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, April 13, 1928.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.

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