A common theme in Western art is that of the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity, deriving from I Corinthians 13:13, "And now there remain faith, hope and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity." Charity is traditionally pictured as a mother with one child at her breast; Faith is often potratyed with a holy chalice or a dog (a typical symbol of fidelity); and Hope will clutch an anchor or flowers. In this example, the breastfeeding mother is also attended by a faithful dog and a Greek example of a pitcher and bowl in lieu of a chalice; the various palmettes may provide the flowers which represent Hope.

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