Bewering over kunst en wetenschap 1646

This is a page of calligraphy, Bewering over kunst en wetenschap, by Gesina ter Borch, made sometime in the 17th century. Here, the flourishing spirals and loops adorning the script are not mere decoration. These curlicues echo the motifs found in illuminated manuscripts across centuries and continents. The spiral, in particular, is an ancient symbol, representing cyclical time, growth, and the unfolding of knowledge. Consider how the spiral appears in Minoan art, Celtic designs, and even in the architecture of Baroque churches. Its presence taps into a collective memory, a shared human understanding of life's rhythms and the pursuit of wisdom. Ter Borch uses this familiar form to subconsciously reinforce her message about art and science. The emotional effect is one of reassurance and inspiration, drawing viewers into the continuous, timeless journey of learning. The non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.