Anna Maria van Schurman c. 17th century

Editor: This is a print of Anna Maria van Schurman by Cornelis van Dalen, the Younger. She looks like such an accomplished woman. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, it's important to remember that this portrait exists within a very specific social and intellectual context. Van Schurman was a highly educated woman in the 17th century, which was quite rare. The symbols surrounding her - the globe, the books, the cityscape - speak to her intellectual pursuits and her place within a network of learned individuals. How does the inscription at the bottom speak to you? Editor: It looks like Latin. I wonder what it says about her beliefs. Curator: Exactly. This artwork serves as a powerful visual statement about female intellect and agency during a time when those qualities were often suppressed. This print challenges us to question the historical structures that limited opportunities for women. Editor: It makes you wonder what other women were doing at the time and what their stories were. Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to re-examine history and amplify marginalized voices. Thank you.