Allegories of virtues and vices in the European art VIII–XVIII centuries

The struggle of the forces Good and Evil is one leading themes European art Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque. Personifications positive negative qualities a person are depicted in book miniatures, monumental paintings, mosaics sculpture from time Carolingians up to XIX century. victory Virtues over Vices described «Psychomachy» by Aurelius Prudentius Clement functioned as subjects Carolingian Ottonian eras, facades Romanesque Gothic churches, memorial plastic allegorical painting Renaissance Medieval generates several variants interpretation plot – battle form warrior maidens with bestial monsters Sins, embodiment good evil animals, genre theme «everyday» scenes. tradition refers personifications paintings (Giotto) plastics, often symbolic designation, Holy Scripture used. In XVII century, allegories appear scenes triumphs glorification rulers, festive decoration processions (P. P. Rubens), (Pietro da Cortona), decorative applied art.