Grammatica (Spraakkunst) c. 1633 - 1676

Cornelis Cort’s engraving, *Grammatica*, presents us with an allegorical scene rich in symbolism, created sometime between 1533 and 1578. Here, the figure of Grammar instructs students, surrounded by books bearing the names of classical scholars. The alphabet, prominently displayed on Grammar's robe, represents the foundational elements of language. This motif of laying the groundwork can be found in earlier depictions of the liberal arts, linking Cort to classical ideals. Consider, for example, images of rhetoric with symbolic gestures. Here the gesture has evolved, reflecting a deeper understanding of how communication shapes societies. This evolution isn't linear; it resonates with our collective memory, stirring subconscious recognition. Just as certain sounds or words evoke primal fears or desires, the image of the teacher and the student taps into our innate desire for knowledge and order, a desire passed down through generations, constantly reshaped by cultural context. The transmission of knowledge, portrayed here, is thus not merely an intellectual exercise, but a powerful, cyclical force.