Jan Sadeler’s engravings of The Seven Liberal Arts

Jan Sadeler’s engravings of The Seven Liberal Arts

Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Rhetoric,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Arithmetic,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Geometry,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Dialectic,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Astronomy,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Music,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving
Jan Sadeler I, after Maarten de Vos,<i> Grammar,</i> from the series <i>The Seven Liberal Arts,</i> after 1575. Engraving

These photographs show Jan Sadeler’s engravings of The Seven Liberal Arts, based on designs by Maarten de Vos. According to Susan Dackerman’s catalog for Prints and the Pursuit of Knowledge in Early Modern Europe, even though the iconography of the series stems from medieval and Renaissance traditions, it also marks an evolution in the visual treatment of the topic. Each print bears a two-line inscription in Latin describing its art. Learn more about this Harvard Art Museums exhibit in Jennifer Carling and Jonathan Shaw’s article “Spheres of Knowledge,” from the November-December 2011 issue. 

You might also like

Five Questions with Andrew Knoll

A paleontologist on how to understand Earth’s biggest extinction event

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

In Sermon, Garber Urges Harvard Community to ‘Defend and Protect’ Institutions

Harvard’s president uses traditional Memorial Church address to encourage divergent views.

Most popular

What Trump Means for John Roberts’s Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

The Life of a Harvard Spy

Richard Skeffington Welch’s illustrious—and clandestine—career in the CIA

Summers Takes Leave Amid Harvard Probe

Previously undisclosed Epstein links to Harvard affiliates leads to a University review.

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant bar scene with tropical decor, featuring patrons sitting on high stools.

Best Bars for Seasonal Drinks and Snacks in Greater Boston

Gathering spots that warm and delight us  

Aerial view of a landscaped area with trees and seating, surrounded by buildings and parking.

Landscape Architect Julie Bargmann Transforming Forgotten Urban Sites

Julie Bargmann and her D.I.R.T. Studio give new life to abandoned mines, car plants, and more.