Visdom (Scientia) 1615

Jan Saenredam created this engraving, Visdom (Scientia), meaning ‘wisdom’ or ‘knowledge’ in Dutch, in the Netherlands, sometime around 1600. The image depicts a woman using a compass, seated in an urban setting with classical architectural features. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a period of economic, scientific, and artistic flourishing. In this context, allegorical figures, such as this personification of knowledge, appeared frequently in paintings and prints. In this image, the compass she holds symbolizes precision and measurement. The depiction of "scientia" as a woman reflects the classical tradition of associating feminine figures with abstract concepts. Saenredam’s work here speaks to the era’s intellectual climate, which embraced empirical observation, classical learning and the rise of universities. Understanding this print requires us to engage with the history of science, religion, and art. By studying these cultural contexts, we can gain a richer understanding of the print’s meaning and significance.