Grammatica 1565

Curator: This print, made by Cornelis Cort, who lived in the 16th century, is called "Grammatica," and it lives at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s dense! So many figures… the shading is so intricate, giving it all a sort of dreamlike quality. A bit overwhelming, honestly. Curator: Yes, Cornelis really loaded the composition here. Notice how the light and shadow direct our gaze toward the seated figure of Grammatica instructing the young boy. Editor: Right, it’s like she’s unlocking the secrets of language, with those little alphabet blocks on her robe. The whole scene feels like the beginning of something huge, a gateway to all kinds of possibilities. Curator: Exactly, and the supporting characters—the other students, the tools of learning—they reinforce the idea that grammar is foundational to all other disciplines. Editor: It almost makes me want to go back to school… almost. Anyway, thanks for the little tour—it's given me plenty to ponder. Curator: My pleasure. There is something so special about these classical representations that make them still interesting today.