Charity (alabaster)

n this sculpture the virtue of Charity is represented by a beautiful young woman who suckles one child and guides the other. As a character, Charity served as a model for moral Christian behavior, selflessly giving to others in need; as an attribute, Charity was considered one of three theological virtues (with Faith and Hope) that had been endorsed by the Church during the Middle Ages. Intricately carved with fine details such as curly hair, delicate facial features, and elegantly folded drapery, this figure is a wonderful example of sculpture produced in the southern Netherlands.