Vice and Virtue Series
An ongoing series – 4 of 14 works completed

The Samaritan's Wife - Temperance

For more than twenty years I carried the idea of creating a body of work exploring the Seven Capital Vices and their opposing Virtues. I repeatedly set the concept aside, waiting for the imagery and symbolism to arrive with the certainty I felt the subject deserved. Only after completing one of my largest paintings did the ideas return with remarkable clarity, unfolding almost faster than I could record them.

Each painting is a symbolic portrait of a woman whose title reflects a human story, while the accompanying Latin name acknowledges its historical and theological origins. These figures are not intended as literal saints or sinners, nor as portraits of individuals. Rather, they are quiet allegories of the qualities that exist within us all. They speak of temptation and endurance, compassion and pride, weakness and courage, reminding us that every life is a continual journey between the shadows we wrestle with and the light we strive towards.

Rendered in my own richly textured, narrative style, each work layers symbolism, script, colour and atmosphere to create a visual story that invites contemplation rather than judgement. It is my hope that viewers may discover something of themselves within these women, recognising both the fragility and resilience that define the human spirit.

The Seven Virtues

• The Preacher's Daughter — Chastity (Castitas)

• The Samaritan's Wife — Temperance (Temperantia)

• The Pilgrim's Wife — Charity (Caritas)

• The Schoolmaster's Daughter — Diligence (Diligentia)

• The Missionary's Wife — Kindness (Humanitas)

• The Sentinel's Daughter — Patience (Patientia)

• The Crofter's Wife — Humility (Humilitas)

The Seven Vices

• The Harlot's Daughter — Lust (Luxuria)

• The Swine Herder's Daughter — Gluttony (Gula)

• The Money Lender's Daughter — Greed (Avaritia)

• The Woolgatherer's Daughter — Sloth (Acedia)

• The Pauper's Wife — Envy (Invidia)

• The Hunter's Wife — Wrath (Ira)