Prudence has been the public face of Prudential since 1848 when her image was used for the company seal.Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues; Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. Since Greek and Roman times Prudence has been personified as a woman holding a serpent and a mirror. A prudent act was considered to combine memory, intelligence, and foresight; thus showing awareness of past, present, and future.

The image used for the Prudential company seal in 1848 was based on the painting of Prudence by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

The current corporate mark designed by Wolff Olins and launched in 1986 is of a much more stylised Prudence yet it still remains faithful to the old symbolism.