This is a woodcut -- Prudence (Die Firsichtikait), from "The Seven Virtues" by Hans Burgkmair. Die Firsichtikait means Foresight or Perspective; prudence has very much to do with "seeing" and "seeing things whole, in context". She is holding an instrument for measuring things -- "taking the measure of things" being a quality of prudence; knowing them with mastery. The snake is actually a remora, which in attaching itself to the ship, retards its progress -- so prudence is deliberative and has motion under control. The angel holds a mirror up to her face, because prudence is reflective, pondering, self-aware: "know thyself." Her bosom is ample, because prudence is fecund and offers the milk of God's grace. It's not parsimonious but generous! Sources: https://www.romeartlover.it/Iconography2.html https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/430796 author: Leila Marie Lawler, The Prudent Housewife