Grammatica, from The Seven Liberal Arts
ca. 1628–66
Medium
Engraving and etching
Dimensions
Sheet (Trimmed): 5 3/4 × 4 1/8 in. (14.6 × 10.5 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
Accession Number
49.95.1498
Tags
Art Historical Context
"Grammatica, from Seven Liberal Arts" is captivating 17th-century print that personifies Grammar, the foundational art of language and literacy in the medieval trivium. Created around 1628–66, this small engraving and etching (5 3/4 × 4 1/8 in.) depicts a lively scene with men, women, and children in reading, accompanied by symbolic chickens—perhaps evoking attentiveness or domestic learning. As part of a series celebrating the Seven Liberal Arts, it reflects the Renaissance revival of classical education, where Grammar was seen as the gateway to wisdom. Collaboratively produced by Flemish en...