Dialectica en Retorica 1563 - 1573

Marin Bonnemer made this engraving titled 'Dialectica en Retorica.' It visualizes two key concepts within the educational curriculum of its time. These are rhetoric, the art of persuasive speaking, and dialectic, the method of logical argumentation. This print, most likely from the late 16th century, is a fascinating window into the intellectual priorities of early modern Europe. Each allegorical figure is accompanied by objects and animals that communicate the specific attributes of these disciplines, referencing classical antiquity. The woman representing dialectic holds a bowl, perhaps symbolizing the sifting and sorting of ideas. She stands near a caged bird, an elephant and books. Rhetoric holds a heart, and is accompanied by an un-caged lion and tablets. To fully understand the context for this work, one might delve into the history of universities at this time, and the role played by scholasticism within the curriculum. Further research may include iconographic guides, and primary texts on rhetoric, dialectic, and the history of education.