Mastery of Design: The Temperance Bodice Ornament , 1610-20

Dress Ornament
1610-1620
Germany
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Dress or bodice ornaments were sewn onto garments for decorative effect. These small decorations were often made of the finest precious metals and stones.  Usually, they were made in matching sets of differing sizes so that they could be worn in rows across sleeves, the bodice, or a jacket.  They were worn by both men and women.

Here, we see an openwork gold ornament which was made in Germany between 1610 and 1620.  It features a cast female figure at the center, holding two goblets, presumably of water, and, therefore, identified as “Temperance” whose attribute was twin goblets.  She, therefore, may have been part of a large set of ornaments depicting the cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance).  These were usually paired with the theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity).

The whole piece is enameled in white, blue, green and black.

Mastery of Design: The Temperance Bodice Ornament, 1610-20

Dress Ornament
1610-1620
Germany
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Dress or bodice ornaments were sewn onto garments for decorative effect. These small decorations were often made of the finest precious metals and stones.  Usually, they were made in matching sets of differing sizes so that they could be worn in rows across sleeves, the bodice, or a jacket.  They were worn by both men and women.

Here, we see an openwork gold ornament which was made in Germany between 1610 and 1620.  It features a cast female figure at the center, holding two goblets, presumably of water, and, therefore, identified as “Temperance” whose attribute was twin goblets.  She, therefore, may have been part of a large set of ornaments depicting the cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance).  These were usually paired with the theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity).

The whole piece is enameled in white, blue, green and black.

Mastery of Design: The Temperance Ornament, 1610-1620

Temperance Dress Ornament
Germany, Seventeenth C.
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This ornament of gold openwork is graced with a central female figure. She holds two goblets of water—an attribute of “Temperance.” She’s enameled in white, blue, green and black. 

The work of an unknown goldsmith, it’s believed this jewel was made in Southern Germany between 1610 and 1620. The piece was likely made as a dress ornament and was probably sewn directly onto the fabric of the gown. It’s possible that this was one of a set of four such ornaments, each depicting the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. 

Mastery of Design: The Temperance Bodice Ornament , 1610-20

Dress Ornament
1610-1620
Germany
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Dress or bodice ornaments were sewn onto garments for decorative effect.  These small decorations were often made of the finest precious metals and stones.  Usually, they were made in matching sets of differing sizes so that they could be worn in rows across sleeves, the bodice, or a jacket.  They were worn by both men and women.

Here, we see an openwork gold ornament which was made in Germany between 1610 and 1620.  It features a cast female figure at the center, holding two goblets, presumably of water, and, therefore, identified as “Temperance” whose attribute was twin goblets.  She, therefore, may have been part of a large set of ornaments depicting the cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance).  These were usually paired with the theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity).

The whole piece is enameled in white, blue, green and black.