Roman society was patriarchal (see "paterfamilias"), and masculinity was premised on a capacity for governing oneself and others of lower status, not only in war and politics, but also in sexual relations. "Virtus", "virtue", was an active masculine ideal of self-discipline, related to the Latin word for "man", "vir". The corresponding ideal for a woman was "pudicitia", often translated as chastity or modesty, but a more positive and even competitive personal quality that displayed both her attractiveness and self-control. Roman women of the upper classes were expected to be well educated, strong of character, and active in maintaining their family's standing in society. But with extremely few exceptions, surviving Latin literature preserves the voices only of educated male Romans on the subject of sexuality. Visual art was created by those of lower social status and of a greater range of ethnicity, but was tailored to the taste and inclinations of those wealthy enough to afford it, including, in the Imperial era, former slaves.