Wall plate "Temperantia"

Merkelbach & Wick

From the collection of Paul Van Eck

This plate's theme is one of the so-called cardinal virtues: Temperantia (temperance).

Temperantia is the Latin word for moderation and self-control. It is one of the four cardinal virtues and represents the ability to balance desires and emotions. The virtue is often depicted as a woman balancing a vase with two vessels (for example, water and wine). The center of this plate shows this exact scene.

Temperance: The ability to avoid overdoing it and to find the right balance, especially in pleasure and emotions.
Along with wisdom (Prudentia), justice (Iustitia), and courage (Fortitudo), it is one of the four cardinal virtues on which a good life is based.

Merkelbach & Wick in Grenzhausen produced this detailed stoneware wall plate in the historismus style, probably sometime around 1880~1900.

The diameter is 33.5cm.

View the collection of Paul Van Eck

Details

Type: plate
Material: stoneware
Producer: Merkelbach & Wick
Producer info
Designer/decorator: unknown
Mold: -
Capacity: n/a
Design date: 1880~1900
Height (excl. lid): 33.5 cm (appx. 13.1 inches.)