BrightEye
Some decks, such as the Mantegna and the Ancient Minchiate, include a Prudence card. Can anyone tell me why she is usually depicted with two faces, one of a young woman and one of an old man? And why is she always holding a mirror?
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Prudence - why does she have two faces?
Milfoil
I think it may have something to do with the ability to reflect upon a decision before taking action. The energy of youth vs the wisdom of age.
I think Prudence was one of the virtues and according to Wikipedia the word prudence was often associated with wisdom, insight and knowledge.
She is often depicted with the snake also which makes me think that this is about weighing up the situation and advice to make a sound decision.
Could the mirror be more than a mirror? Wisdom and insight (clairvoyance) have long been associated with mirrors and seeing the future.
I think Prudence was one of the virtues and according to Wikipedia the word prudence was often associated with wisdom, insight and knowledge.
She is often depicted with the snake also which makes me think that this is about weighing up the situation and advice to make a sound decision.
Could the mirror be more than a mirror? Wisdom and insight (clairvoyance) have long been associated with mirrors and seeing the future.
le pendu
We've also had a few threads about Prudence in the past. I found this one which is a long, winding exploration of her and tarot...
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=24836
And this one where she is discussed a bit late in the thread, but a strange and interesting thread it is. Look for her around post 39.
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=24374&page=1&highlight=PRUDENCE
Hope that helps a bit, or adds some more dimension to her.
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=24836
And this one where she is discussed a bit late in the thread, but a strange and interesting thread it is. Look for her around post 39.
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=24374&page=1&highlight=PRUDENCE
Hope that helps a bit, or adds some more dimension to her.
DoctorArcanus
According to Cesare Ripa, Iconologia 1593 edition:
The two Faces mean that Prudence is true and certain knowledge. It decides what must be done and is generated by the consideration of past and future things at the same time.
...
The Mirror means the knowledge of oneself, since it is impossible to properly rule your action if you do not know your own defects.
One of the two faces looks behind, at the past, the other looks forward, at the future.
A prudence with three faces (including taking the present into account) can also be seen. Like in this painting by Tiziano.
About the Snake, see the Gospel of Matthew:
010:016 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be
ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
"Estote prudentes sicut Serpentes." (This reference also from the Bivio site).
Marco
Le due Faccie significano che la Prudenza è una cagnitione vera
et certa, la quale ordina ciò che si deve fare et nasce dalla consideratio-
ne delle cose passate et delle future insieme.
...
Lo Specchiarsi significa la cognitione di se medesimo, non potendo
alcuno regolare le sue attioni, se i proprii difetti non conosce.
et certa, la quale ordina ciò che si deve fare et nasce dalla consideratio-
ne delle cose passate et delle future insieme.
...
Lo Specchiarsi significa la cognitione di se medesimo, non potendo
alcuno regolare le sue attioni, se i proprii difetti non conosce.
The two Faces mean that Prudence is true and certain knowledge. It decides what must be done and is generated by the consideration of past and future things at the same time.
...
The Mirror means the knowledge of oneself, since it is impossible to properly rule your action if you do not know your own defects.
One of the two faces looks behind, at the past, the other looks forward, at the future.
A prudence with three faces (including taking the present into account) can also be seen. Like in this painting by Tiziano.
About the Snake, see the Gospel of Matthew:
010:016 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be
ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
"Estote prudentes sicut Serpentes." (This reference also from the Bivio site).
Marco