Fides (Faith)

Sebald Beham

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a full-body depiction of a figure standing on a snake, with only their toes visible on the creature as it coils beneath them. The figure stands in a contrapposto stance, with their weight shifted onto one leg, and their head is slightly tilted to one side. The person's facial features are softly delineated, and they have short, somewhat curly hair adorned with a laurel wreath. They are wearing a long, flowing robe with drape-like folds, and two large wings extend from their back. The figure is holding a chalice in their right hand, with a wafer positioned above it, while their left hand holds a long, slender cross. Positioned in the background, behind the figure's right shoulder, is a tablet inscribed with several lines of text. The background appears to be a simple textured surface, possibly resembling stone, that provides contrast to the central figure. The word "FIDES" is visible on the left side of the image.