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Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

Fortitude, plate 36 from Genii and Virtues

c. 1465
Engraving in black on cream laid paper
18 × 10 cm (7.1 × 3.9 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This delicate work, designed and engraved by an unknown artist, is from a series of 50 prints erroneously thought to be Tarocchi, a deck of tarot cards. The allegorical figures illustrate the breadth of human knowledge and ability: liberal arts and sciences, cardinal and spiritual virtues, and cosmic powers. Here, the personification of strength wears lion armor and holds a broken column—an allusion to the biblical figure Samson, whose final powerful act was toppling a building, killing his captors and himself.

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