Retorica 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this print, Retorica, sometime in the 17th century. Schut was working in a period defined by the intersection of art, religion, and politics. The Dutch Republic was asserting its cultural identity following the reformation, and this print should be understood in that context. In Retorica, Schut presents us with a dramatic scene populated with allegorical figures representing rhetoric and persuasion. The central figure is a female embodiment of Rhetoric, adorned with symbols of eloquence, and she stands triumphant amidst a crowd of figures. The image is an assertion of the power of rhetoric to move hearts and minds. Rhetoric wasn't just a tool of persuasion, it was considered a cornerstone of civic life and moral virtue. The composition evokes an emotional response, as we are confronted with the force of rhetoric in action. Schut challenges us to consider the role of rhetoric in shaping our beliefs and actions. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with wielding the power of persuasion, and a call to engage critically with the messages that surround us.