The Seven Heavenly Virtues
The seven heavenly virtues, (aka: the seven virtues) were derived from the Psychomachia (‘Contest of the Soul’), an epic poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. 410 ce) entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices. The intense popularity of this work in the Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of Holy Virtue throughout Europe. Practicing these virtues is alleged to protect one against temptation from the Seven Deadly Sins, with each one having its counterpart. Due to this they are sometimes referred to as the contrary virtues.
The goal of this project was to create a twenty page tabloid using template that was provided (11.37 × 14.96") and to design compositions with specific requirements that represent the Seven Heavenly Virtues. I used a variety of skills and techniques to capture the beauty, and sincerity of the virtues. Click here to see the process of my work.
Below are photos from the tabloid using a mockup file.
I chose to represent Chastity with a wedding dress, white lace, water, and a passage from the Bible. The wedding dress, snow, and white lace represent the purity of the bride as she walks down the aisle to meet her groom. The passage from the Bible is from Titus which shows Paul speaking on the topic of purity.
Diligence immediately reminded me of the say “A mothers work never ends.” To represent this I show my mom working throughout a day. I used photos of her pulling weeds, changing diapers, refilling a sand bucket, and cleaning up toys to convey her hard work and zeal.
The objects I chose to represent Patience are a clock, and a puzzle. An impatient person will constantly be looking at what time it is, eager for something to get done. The puzzle represents the time and patience that it takes to sit down and complete a large puzzle.
When one practices humility you never brag upon, or show off parts of yourself. The image shows a women, completely covered. She sees photos of women in society, and draws on them, because she wishes they practiced the virtue too.
