Retorica (Welsprekendheid) c. 1600 - 1685

"Retorica (Welsprekendheid)" is an etching by Jean Baptiste Humbelot, a prominent 17th-century Flemish artist. The engraving portrays a female figure, likely an allegorical representation of rhetoric, a discipline dedicated to the art of persuasive communication. She holds a key and a book, symbolizing the power of rhetoric to unlock knowledge and persuade others. The work, which measures 368mm in height and 268mm in width, embodies the Baroque style, showcasing dramatic light and shadow and a focus on intricate detail. The engraving is an excellent example of Humbelot's mastery of etching and a testament to the enduring power of rhetoric.