Virgin and Child Enthroned with Music-Making Angels and Virtues

The Virgin and Child are here shown together with the three Theological Virtues: Faith with a cross and chalice, Hope, with hands joined in prayer, and Charity, shown with a flaming heart and cornucopia. They are shown together with the four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, with a sphere and a wand, Justice with the traditional symbols of scales and a sword, Temperance with two vases, and Fortitude, who holds a bow and a column. They are joined by the additional figure of Humility, who holds a lighted candle. Though not accorded a formal position among the Virtues, Humility was usually linked to Temperance in terms of importance to spiritual growth.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 12 minutes): Gregorian chants