Philosophy 1485 - 1528

This woodcut, "Philosophy," was created by Albrecht Dürer around the turn of the 16th century. Observe the figure of Sophia, or Wisdom, enthroned. She embodies the intellectual and spiritual knowledge accumulated since antiquity. Note how Dürer surrounds her with figures representing the sources of ancient wisdom: Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Latins, and Germans. Each figure is identified by inscriptions, underscoring the idea that wisdom is cultivated across cultures. Consider the hourglass she holds, a symbol of time's relentless passage and a reminder of the need for philosophical contemplation. The hourglass is not unique to Dürer; it appears in various forms throughout history, from ancient Roman sarcophagi to medieval morality plays. It serves as a memento mori, a reminder of our mortality. It is a motif that resurfaces in various forms, constantly reminding us of the ephemeral nature of human existence and the importance of seeking wisdom before time runs out.